Joel Klatt Has Harsh Words For Struggling Oregon

Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt expressed concern relating to the Oregon football team on Wednesday, stating that the Ducks' biggest issues may be persistent in 2024.

After watching narrow wins over Idaho and Boise State, Klatt believes Oregon's struggles are related to its team's DNA as opposed to any lack of execution or preparedness.

In that case, Klatt claimed during his show, Duck fans should start worrying now.

"If I'm checking in on the fan base of Oregon, I'm worried," Klatt said. "I think there is some real concern for Oregon because these are not fluky issues."

At the top of the Ducks' list of issues is pass protection, according to Klatt.

"The offensive line clearly has not gelled trying to break-in two new starters," Klatt said. "We see them now giving up sacks at a rate that is frankly alarming as compared to last year. They've already gave up more sacks in two games than they did all of last season, and those two opponents are Idaho and Boise State, so they haven't even gotten into the Big Ten schedule."

From there, Klatt shifted his focus onto Oregon's grueling conference schedule, which is likely to pose a tougher challenge than the Ducks have faced so far in 2024.

"Remember, they're going to have to face Ohio State," Klatt said. "Granted, that game is at home, but they're going to have to see Jack Sawyer and J.T Tuimoloau, and they have problems in protection."

Furthermore, Klatt expressed that these types problems aren't typically remedied with ease. In other words, the Ducks' surprising lack of a physical identity in the trenches isn't going to fix itself overnight.

"When you have leaky protection, that persists. All of a sudden, you don't just become great in pass protection. That is something that is a standard held prior to the season. It's not developed," Klatt said. "Can you get a little better in pass protection? Yes, but generally, it's can you? Or can't you? That's the way that I've always felt."

As a result, Klatt believes Oregon fans should have no shortage of concern heading into their rivalry clash with Oregon State.

"It's borderline panic based on the expectations in the preseason in Eugene," Klatt said. "Remember, everything has to be through the prism of expectation. That's why these teams that have played better than we expect, we're so excited about. That's why teams like Oregon, that have played much worse than we expect, we're much more worried about.

"We're worried about Michigan. We're worried about Oregon. There's concern for both of those teams. They've got to fix some of those issues before they head into a Big Ten slate, or else this is not going to be the year everyone thought it was going to be in Eugene."

The Ducks will be in action on Saturday as they travel to take on Oregon State. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. PST.