After two weeks of stalled drives, missed passes, and defensive breakdowns, the Oregon Ducks played a complete game this weekend against Oregon State, and the result was a dismantling of the Beavers.
One of the Ducks’ biggest issues so far this season has been poor offensive line play. It’s prevented Oregon from developing a run game, and Dillon Gabriel hasn’t had much time in the pocket. But this weekend against the Beavers, the Ducks’ O-line played fantastic, allowing Oregon to run and pass the ball with ease.
When the clock hit zeros, the Oregon O-line had allowed zero sacks, after allowing seven in the Ducks’ first two games. Oregon’s rushers also combined for 306 yards on the ground, which is due in large part to the offensive line’s superb blocking.
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The Ducks’ strong run game this week was also a large improvement from Oregon’s first two games. Against Idaho and Boise State, the Ducks averaged 3.19 yards per carry, and on Saturday, they averaged 7.5 yards per carry.
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This week’s game was also quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s best. The Heisman hopeful finished Saturday’s game with 20/24 passes completed for 291 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also rushed for 64 yards and a TD on four carries.
Looking forward, the play of Oregon’s offensive line against the Beavers is encouraging and relieving. To achieve the goals expected of them this year, the Ducks need consistent blocking, and if the O-line plays like it did this weekend, the sky is Oregon’s limit.
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