Is an Offensive Scheme Change Coming?
The answer to this question relies a lot on the answer to the first question we asked. Depending on who the QB is for Oregon, the offensive scheme might change a bit.
However, the expected loss of CJ Verdell may have a bigger impact than we believe. Verdell is one of the best RBs in Oregon history, and he has averaged over 15 carries per game. With a run-heavy offense like the Ducks enjoy running, those carries are going to have to go somewhere, and it’s impossible to think that Travis Dye will shoulder all of the load.
So might a freshman RB step up? We’ve seen glimpses from Seven McGee, Byron Cardwell, and Trey Benson, but not enough to feel comfortable handing them 10-12 carries per game from here on out. What seems more likely is that the Ducks pivot a little bit to a more pass-centric offense, especially if a change at QB is coming.
The fact of the matter is that the Ducks aren’t having a ton of success in the passing game because Anthony Brown is holding them back. He’s routinely missed on deep balls, and often throws behind receivers streaking across the field. The hope for Ty Thompson is that he’s more accurate and can get this deep core of receivers into the action a little bit more.
Again, it is hard to say whether or not the Ducks will go more towards the pass without knowing who is under center, but it’s clear that with Verdell out, they are going to need to find someone who can help shoulder the load on offense.
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