What. A. Game.
First off – I’m not as worried about this team as I was in week one. I believe every team has a chance to turn small things around, and the only thing you can’t change is if you are a team that isn’t physical. It’s clear this team is physical, the missing pieces in my eyes are cohesion on offense and discipline. Penalties like this week will not fly on the road, as even Mr. FishDuck had to occupy his mind with some fun at instaspin uk or the numerous costly penalties would have driven him crazy. Here are three aspects of this team that got me EXCITED for the rest of the season, and areas of execution that can get Oregon on the right track.
3. Deep Threats: Particularly, Evan Stewart
Stewart and Traeshon Holden are starting to mesh with Dillon Gabriel, which is HUGE for the squad. Forcing defenses to respect the deep game goes a long way toward establishing this team as a College Football Playoff contender, and I like what I saw from Gabriel in game two. Holden was able to take a short pass for a long way against cover zero, while Stewart was able to threaten downfield and create much-needed separation regularly.
Of course, there’s room for improvement. Gabriel missed a handful of easy throws deep downfield just due to pressure, or situational awareness – whatever the case. This is surely a wrinkle of the offense that can be cleaned up by building chemistry over the next couple of weeks. I like the development I’ve seen so far and trust Gabriel to be coachable with Will Stein in this offense to make the necessary adjustments for a more complete vertical attack.
The special teams unit deserves a steak dinner this week… – Via Craig Strobeck
2. Special Teams Played LIGHTS OUT
Noah Whittington almost single-handedly saved this game, along with Tez Johnson. I’m so impressed with what I saw from the pair in special teams. Even when the offense isn’t exactly jelling yet, there’s a lot to love about the speed and weaponry we have all over the field.
The pair of special teams touchdowns may have saved us the game – there’s no denying that. However, it’s important to consider that our Oregon Ducks football program is well on its way to becoming one of the most versatile and athletic programs in the nation. Whittington & Johnson just proved that. Let’s see them do more of the same next week – preferably on offense when Oregon’s controlling the clock, rather than on special teams when the Ducks are playing get-back football.
Jordan James and co. had ROOM this weekend – via Craig Strobeck
1. The Offensive Line Played BETTER
Yes, it wasn’t perfect. Yes, last season the offensive line only allowed five sacks. The Boise State game was a step up though. There was massive progress made that needs to be acknowledged for this team to get better. Not only was the run game more effective, but Gabriel was able to hit some deep shots he wasn’t able to last week. That’s certainly a step in the right direction and a sign of things to come.
If the Ducks are going to beat a team like Ohio State or Michigan, though, they’re going to need MUCH better play up front. Defensive lines from elite programs would dominate this squad based on how they’ve played recently. Let’s see the growth continue, and this position group only improves from here on out.
Bottom Line: Wins are WINS
Sure, it was a gritty grudge match. Oregon had never beat Boise State. Now they have. Turns out, Lanning might be able to coach our team through tough times and squeak out some much-needed victories. I DO NOT like what I’ve seen up front overall, but I like what’s to come – based on the progress we’ve seen so far. This is a team that just needs reps together (see Michigan, for reference). I believe in Lanning and everything he’s created. More convincing wins will translate in the weeks ahead. Book it.
Anyway, enough from me, Oregon fans. What did YOU see this weekend? Who’s the MVP from this matchup? What do you expect to see from a 2-0 Duck squad headed into their third game of the year, facing a much-familiar Oregon State team? Let us know in the FishDuck Forum with decorum.
Go Ducks!
Alex Heining (or talk ball with me here!)
Los Angeles, California
Top Photo By: Craig Strobeck
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Alex Heining is an Oregon alumni from the graduate class of 2021. After studying sports business and media studies, he has moved into the field of digital marketing as a copywriter and content manager in the Los Angeles area. Still, he loves his Ducks and goes to local high school games all over the Los Angeles and Orange County area to check out new recruits of the future (and a SoFi game or two with the pros). On any given Saturday, expect to find him doing martial arts, playing the guitar, or screaming at the tv over a missed holding penalty.