If Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal left a lasting legacy in Eugene, a strong and experienced offensive line was his parting gift to the No. 12 Oregon Ducks football program. While Ducks quarterback Bo Nix has stolen the show with his dynamic playmaking abilities and high football IQ — leading the Ducks to score 40-plus points in five straight games — his game-winning performances are the by-product of top-shelf protection from a gang of green upfront.
The Ducks’ offensive line largely consists of TJ Bass, Ryan Walk, Alex Forsyth, Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, and Steven Jones, who combine for more than 80 starts. Bass was just named the Pac-12 offensive lineman of the week for the second consecutive week — the fourth such award of his career, tying former Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell for the most in the award’s history since 2019, according to University of Oregon.
After drubbing the Wildcats, the Ducks’ offensive line also has not allowed a sack for the fifth game this season. “Bass and the Oregon offensive line also did not allow a tackle for loss against the Wildcats, the first time Oregon has done that since 2010,” according to GoDucks.com.
The Ducks offensive linemen celebrate a rushing touchdown against Stanford.
Oregon’s stable of running backs, led by notable performances from Bucky Irving and Noah Whittington, has exploded this year with the benefit of expert blocking from a veteran offensive line consistently parting the raging seas of opposing defenders. In six games, the Ducks have averaged 6.2 yards per carry (241.7 yards per game), rushing for 1,450 yards and 19 touchdowns.
And more help is on the way. Oregon landed the nation’s top offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr, who has already seen reps this season in offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham‘s offense. Three-star interior lineman Bryce Boulton recently announced his commitment to Oregon, making him the first OL pledge for the 2023 recruiting class. The Ducks are also positioned to secure Under Armour All-American offensive lineman Iapani Laloulu, the nation’s No. 7 guard, and Spencer Fano, the No. 1 offensive tackle in the West, according to SB Live.
ESPN College Gameday is coming Oct. 22 for a marquee matchup between No. 12 Oregon (5-1, 3-0 Pac-12) and No. 11 UCLA (6-0, 3-0 Pac-12) at Autzen Stadium.
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Jordan is a lifelong Duck fan currently living in San Diego. Jordan graduated from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, after serving a prestigious fellowship with the Washington State House of Representatives. Upon graduation, he worked as an English language teaching assistant for the Spanish Ministry of Education’s Ambassadorial Program in Monforte de Lemos, Spain. Jordan has worked as a journalist, writer, and editor in Oregon, Washington, Montana, and California, covering a wide range of topics, including sports, local politics, and crime. He is VERY excited to be writing about his beloved Oregon Ducks.