Oregon Ducks' biggest weakness almost cost them the game against Ohio State

Oregon's meeting with the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes was an instant classic for Ducks fans. It was the biggest meeting in Autzen Stadium history and signaled to the entire country that Oregon is a powerhouse that must be taken seriously.

The Ducks had one crucial weak spot show up time and time again, which nearly cost them the game – special teams, which was full of adventures.

On one hand, Oregon had one of the craziest and most successful special teams plays that you'll ever see. Their place kicker teed one up and kicked it squarely off a Buckeyes player lined up closes to the kickoff. It was a live ball that Oregon pounced on.

After the game, head coach Dan Lanning said that this was planned and intentional, and that everyone on the field for Oregon knew what was happening and collapsed on the ball. It worked perfectly and was the type of gutsy call needed against an elite opponent.

On the other side of the coin, kicker Atticus Sappington missed a field goal, and Oregon failed to convert on a two-point try. Leaving five points on the board was not ideal.

Think about the last drive. Ohio State got the ball down one point, and only had to play for field goal range. Even leaving the two point conversion out of it, if Sappington had converted the 44-yard field goal that he attempted, the pressure would have been on Ohio State to drive the length of the field for a touchdown.

Special teams is nearly always a concern, or at least an adventure, for the Oregon Ducks. Being among the elites in college football, which they undeniably are after beating Ohio State, Oregon can't afford to be pedestrian in any aspect of the game that contributes points.

Hopefully this weakness won't come back to bite them at some point this year when it matters most.

Related: Oregon Ducks heavyweight victory over Ohio State proves their championship worth

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