The staple of the Ducks offense is the “explosive” way they play. Huge gains (25+ yards) in short, quick bursts demoralize opposing defenses and inspire roars from the fans. So just how explosive has the offense been this season? Well, through seven games we have witnessed this prolific offense come unhinged on unassuming defenses 33 times including four times last weekend against the Huskies.
Pharaoh Brown has seven plays for 25+ yards this season
Of those 33 awe inspiring attacks, 10 have been plays for 40+ yards producing a total of 12 touchdowns. Last year the offense put together 67 “explosive” plays resulting in 21 touchdowns.
With all the attention Royce Freeman has received since his breakout game against UCLA, it is easy to think of the offense relying on his legs. Mariota has done an excellent job of spreading the love however and getting the rest of the offense involved. Devon Allen, Pharaoh Brown and Byron Marshall all have at least five plays for 25+ yards this season. With so many targets for Mariota and so many jobs for opposing defenses, there are many explosions yet to come.
Cal’s strong offense is sure to put up a fight tonight against an ever improving Ducks defense; however, their defense is leaving their fans wanting for more. Cal is ranked 120th in the nation on defense, allowing an average of 529.6 yards of total offense as well as just over seven yards per play. The Ducks will be striking fast and hard tonight, of the 41 touchdowns scored this season over half have taken two minutes or less. Get ready to see an old west style shootout tonight in Santa Clara.
Featured Photograph by Gary Breedlove
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My name is Max Thornberry, and I am a sophomore at the University of Oregon studying journalism. I am from Ventura, CA but fell in love with Oregon when I visited last year and came to the Oregon vs. Cal game. I love sports and my hobbies mainly include fantasy baseball and football as well as playing sports video games. Growing up watching sports center and espn news I always wondered what I had to do in order to get a job where I got to talk sports every day, so when I saw an opportunity to intern for a sports news website (FishDuck.com) I couldn’t wait to get involved.