This has truly been a season of unpredictability. The Cal game turned out much different than I thought it would a month, hell, even a week ago. The good news is that things appear to be trending positively, as we all witnessed the improvement on both sides of the ball against the Golden Bears. I found some other improvements within …
The Oregon Duck defensive backs have been through a trial-by-fire season, where they have yielded a lot of yards and points. They have learned many tough lessons as a young — but still talented — crew. Through these trials and lessons, they also have steadily improved. Will their improving skills and teamwork prove enough this coming week to vanquish one of …
Keeping with the Halloween theme that always accompanies late October, this analysis reviews the marvelous, monstrous sacks by Oregon Duck defensive linemen that took place during the Washington game. Oregon’s improvement pressuring the QB in its last contest was certainly a welcome sight. Here’s to hoping this keeps up Thursday night, and that the remaining season reveals the true sack monsters of Oregon. …
Much to many a Duck fans’ delight, Vernon Adams returned to the field to lead the Ducks in vanquishing the University of Washington Huskies. He was very effective converting on third down and made several great downfield throws when opportunity arose. This analysis focuses on one of Vernon’s traits that almost assuredly aggravates his coaches, but is even more aggravating for …
Sometimes the surprises from Oregon’s offense come from a natural evolution and progression against the defenses of the Duck opponents. This time we see a new play introduced (or a variation of one used in the distant past) due to the game plan of Oregon; in this case against the Colorado Buffaloes. I could list off a number of plays …
In a previous analysis I discussed Oregon’s Run-Pass Combo. In this follow-up analysis, I will look at how the Ducks use the same strategy to attack defenses by focusing on a single player. With the Duck offense, any defender can be the focus of an offensive play. Tendencies, leverage and spacing are all key points that coaches ponder when calling a specific play. In the …
Think about this for a moment: the Ducks went to the National Championship with a first year defensive coordinator, first year linebacker coach, and a second year defensive line coach. Despite this youth among the coaching ranks, and despite being underreported by national media sources, the Oregon defense excels at creating turnovers, which is clearly a point of emphasis by the defensive staff. …
One of the most complex pass routes to complete is the Fade Route, especially when used in the Red Zone, and even more so inside the five-yard line. Oregon has had difficulty completing this pass in recent years (fourth down against Stanford, anyone?), and a couple of us have been pondering if the unique touch of Vernon Adams throwing to freakishly athletic Kirk …
Understanding the game of football can be a complicated process, but just being a fan and sitting down with your friends and family to cheer for your favorite college football teams on Saturday afternoon is simply fun. There are many words a football coach in Kentucky could use to describe the Oregon Ducks, but the one word that I always equate …
The quick passing game is a staple of the Oregon Duck offense, as its high percentage of success creates problems for opposing defenses. While the Ducks can attack a defense in many ways on any given down, they will often utilize the Stick concept in the short passing game for a much needed first down. This concept has been used by multiple college …
Over the past several years college football has become a faster-paced game with a pass-first philosophy. Teams are using this style strategically in order to recruit the best athletes, which lends itself to the ultimate goal: a birth in the College Football Playoff. The success of the Oregon Ducks is heavily dependent on these concepts: unpredictable running plays within a series, taking advantage …
The High Powered offense of the Ducks is predicated on many different facets, one of which is taking the easiest means necessary to move the football. At any point in the game, this Fast Screen can take flight. The Ducks want a high percentage play that will get yards and keep the defense guessing, and while the Fast Screen is not …