Much like against Portland State, this post will be more of a “Keys to success,” than a “Keys to victory,” because victory for the Ducks is a near-certainty. These are things I as a fan want to see in order to feel optimistic heading into conference play, and the rest of the season.
Cohesive blocking up front
Against Texas Tech, each of the Ducks’ offensive linemen worked well to block their own assignment, but when it came to tag-teaming blocks downfield and communicating, they struggled. Against Hawaii, I want to see this issue begin to dissolve. I don’t expect the problem to be solved in one week, but I do want to see improvement along the O-line so that they are armed and ready for the meat of Oregon’s schedule.
Defensive Consistency and Comfortability
As Dan Lanning mentioned after Oregon’s game against Texas Tech, there was a lot of panic on the defensive side of the ball. This week will be the Ducks’ last easy week before the two-month gauntlet they are about to face, so it will be important to start to getting things worked out now. I want to see the defense be more consistent — whether that in pass coverage, pass rush, or being organized against the run — as well as more comfortable, and avoiding those moments of panic.
Throwing the ball down the field
Last Saturday, the Ducks were most successful on offense when they were throwing the ball more than 6 yards past the line of scrimmage. There must’ve been 20+ swing passes to an RB in that game, which is a good play, especially with Oregon’s RB group, but an offense can’t succeed at full capacity doing it as much as the Ducks did. When Bo Nix is throwing the ball down the field, good things happen, like his connections for TDs with Troy Franklin and Tez Johnson. Now, throwing down the field requires good protection, but that should hopefully improve for this week as well.
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