Kirk Herbstreit Reveals Major Concern for Oregon Amid Sluggish Start

ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit is worried about how the Oregon Ducks have played through two weeks of the 2024 season.

Dan Lanning's Ducks held a No. 3 ranking in the AP top 25 entering the season. But following narrow victories over lesser opponents Idaho and Boise State, Oregon has dropped to No. 9 in the updated rankings entering Week 3 action.

The Ducks made a big splash when they landed Oklahoma transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel to replace Heisman Trophy finalist Bo Nix. The offensive prowess was expected to continue in Eugene with Gabriel at the helm, but growing pains are evident thus far.

"Bo Nix meant so much to that team," Herbstreit said on "The Pat McAfee Show." "You can never underestimate what a great leader can mean for a football team’s focus. And there has been so much preseason hype with Oregon. I’m sure Dan Lanning is doing his best to get these guys to lock in and respect the opponent… But they don't look like they have the same fight that they had last year."

Oregon opened the season with a 24-14 home win over Idaho as a massive favorite. Despite Gabriel's 380-yard passing performance, the Vandals hung around and kept the game within reach through 60 minutes. But weirder things have happened in season openers for championship-caliber teams, right?

The Ducks had an opportunity to prove their worth against Boise State as 17.5-point favorites the following week. But the Broncos showed with an upset on their minds and led the game 20-14 at the half. Oregon ultimately won the game 37-34 despite giving up 192 yards rushing and three touchdowns to Heisman Trophy hopeful Ashton Jeanty.

The good news for Oregon faithful is there is time for the team to settle in before a major clash against No. 3 Ohio State on Oct. 12. The only other ranked team on the Ducks' schedule is No. 17 Michigan (Nov. 2).

Oregon will hit the road in Week 3 to face in-state rival Oregon State. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (Fox).

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