Can We Expect a Scheme Change?
Question: Mario Cristobal is gone, but much of the former coaching staff is still in place through this final game of the season. Do you expect to see anything wildly different as far as schematics go with Cristobal no longer at the helm?
Neel: Schematics may not be the right word, but I think the philosophy might change a bit for Oregon’s offense. In short, I expect them to take more chances and be aggressive. There was always a belief that Cristobal had a big hand in keeping the Ducks’ offense as conservative as it was, and now that it’s Joe Moorhead and Bryan McClendon calling the shots, I wouldn’t be shocked to see more looks downfield.
Smalley: I’d be surprised if Oregon comes out in a whole new schematic. They might throw the ball downfield more, but when they announced Anthony Brown and not Ty Thompson was going to be the quarterback, that ended all hope of the Ducks being more aggressive with the play-calling.
Patton: It’s tough to change a lot schematically in the middle of a season. However, a new coach and a lot of new players (or guys who haven’t played much this year) could prompt some changes. Anthony Brown is still behind center though, so I think the offense will look largely the same for the final game of the year.