Many factors have gone into the Oregon Ducks’ 5-0 start to their 2023 season, the team’s first such start since 2013.
Whether it be a Heisman Trophy-contending quarterback, an offense that ranks inside the top 10 nationally in numerous metrics or a point differential that likely draws the envy of most teams in the nation, the Ducks have been one of the best teams in the nation.
However, the factor that has been the most encouraging for Oregon fans is undoubtedly the defense. After struggling mightily on that side of the ball in 2022, Duck fans grew weary. Many worried their new head coach Dan Lanning — a defensive mastermind at Georgia — might be unable to replicate his success in the Pacific Northwest.
So far, that couldn’t be farther from the truth in 2023. The Ducks have a total defense that ranks inside the top 10 nationally. There are a wealth of statistics that show how good the defense in Eugene has been this year, be it sack percentage or average yards per play. However, one key stat caught my eye this week. It really highlights how much better this team is compared to last year’s team.
It’s scoring defense differential from 2023 compared to 2022. Basically, how many fewer points is your opponent scoring this season compared to where things stood a year ago.
It’s very straightforward and easy to comprehend, but undoubtedly shows the improvement that this unit has made. Take a look at where the Ducks rank in the nation when it comes to scoring defense differential in 2023: