When the Oregon Ducks lost to the Washington Huskies on Oct. 14, it felt for a moment that their season was over. But just for a moment. After the game, quarterback Bo Nix was asked what it felt like for Oregon to lose control of its playoff path.
“We do control our own destiny,” Nix responded. “We could win out.”
It’s six weeks later, the regular season is over and the Ducks won out. On Friday night, Oregon will get the second chance against the Huskies we’ve all wanted to see, this time in Las Vegas.
And the Ducks will be looking to split the series.
Oregon has looked sharp during the second half of the season, while Washington seems to be fading, but this will be a fight. Below, are the three biggest things the Ducks need to do to be successful.
Shutting down Odunze (and company)
The entire game could come down to this.
Washington has some of the best wide receivers in college football and one of the best quarterbacks. Six weeks ago, that passing game was what beat the Ducks.
On Oct. 14 in Seattle, none of Michael Penix’s passing TDs were thrown to receivers with several steps of separation; they were all guarded somewhat closely. When Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan are catching the ball, they don’t need yards of separation because they are skilled enough to win the catch with strong coverage.
What does that mean for the Ducks?
Oregon’s CBs will need to play as tightly as they can and look to make plays on the ball. Oregon’s pass rush will also need to pressure Penix consistently because he will punish the Ducks’ defense if they give him time.
A passing game of their own
Containing the Huskies’ receivers is the first key, but unleashing Oregon’s receiving corps is the next step to victory for the Ducks. The Bo Nix passing attack has been in full force in the second half of the season, with Troy Franklin and Tez Johnson seeing a lot of that production.
Washington’s secondary isn’t its defensive strong suit, so I’d love to see the Ducks’ receivers finding space and generating yards after the catch. I’d also love to see Oregon’s speedsters getting over the top of coverage, and Nix taking it long.
Kicking stability
Whether it’s off the kickoff tee or on a place kick, Camden Lewis is struggling. He’s in a slump. Slumps happen in sports, and while a slump is ongoing, it seems unending. But in reality, cold streaks can end as quickly as they begin, and that’s what I’m hoping for Camden this Friday. Lewis’ struggles hurt Oregon against Washington in October, but they’ll need him to make a positive impact this time around.
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