The first week of action for the Oregon Ducks in the Dan Lanning era did not go to plan. While it’s not a shock the Ducks fell to the defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs, the way in which they were mercilessly picked apart has many Oregon fans feeling very nervous for the rest of the season.
A game against FCS opponent Eastern Washington should help remind fans how talented this roster is, although the Eagles are far from a pushover after putting together an extremely successful run in the Big Sky Conference over the past decade.
Eastern has always had a high-level offense, and while they have a relatively inexperienced quarterback at the helm they do have a pair of quality receivers in Freddie Roberson and Efton Chism III, and an experienced defense that should allow them to at least keep things competitive at Autzen Stadium.
For the Ducks to not only secure a victory but to help ease the anxiety many Ducks fans are feeling, here are three key things Lanning and company will want to do on Saturday afternoon.
Dominate the Trenches
Generally speaking, the biggest difference between FCS programs and Power-5 squads like Oregon is the size and strength of the big guys up front.
Eastern has always had talented skill position players, but Oregon is bigger, stronger, and more skilled on both the offensive and defensive line and that needs to be very, very evident on Saturday.
Pounding the ball on the ground while the offensive line opens up holes a semi could fit through is the fastest and easiest way to assert dominance in this football game and remind everyone that this team has dudes and can still be a competitive force in the Pac-12 and nationally.