Number 6, 4-0 Oregon hosts 3-2 Michigan State tonight in Autzen Stadium, 6:00 P.M. on the Fox Network, Channel 12 in the Portland Metro area. For the Ducks the mission is simple: Tree an old fox and continue the improvement that's shaping them into a playoff contender.
They're not there yet, but they've shown signs every week of becoming the team their preseason hype said they were. Other than a too-close matchup with Boise State, the Oregon defense hasn't allowed more than 14 points in a game while limiting opponents to 4.5 yards a play and 50.8% completions. Oregon ranks third in the nation in passes defended with 32, four interceptions, 28 breakups. They've been tough and tenacious on the defensive line, too, with 11 sacks in four games.
While they struggled to contain Austin Jeanty (everyone will) that defensive front has held their other three opponents to less than three yards a carry, stopping the run with a consistency that suggests they've found their pride as a unit. Jordan Burch, Derrick Harmon and Bryce Boettcher have led a Front 7 that's limiting opponents to 33.93% conversions on third down.
On offense, the big news for the Ducks is the steady growth on the offensive line. After allowing 7 sacks in their first two games, the big fellas have kept Dillon Gabriel clean in their last two. Against Idaho and Boise State the running game stalled out, averaging less than three yards a carry, but in their last two, the Webfoots cranked out 240 yards rushing against Oregon State and 153 at UCLA.
The emergence of Iapani Laloulu at center has solidified the offensive line, both in pass protection and the running game.
They've reduced the penalties and self-inflicted wounds . Their first two wins offensive production was held down by fumbles and penalties, but over the last two, both on the road, efficiency and scoring are both up. Oregon scored on all 8 full drives against the Beavers; they rolled out to a 28-3 start in the Rose Bowl.
One of the most encouraging signs offensively has been the fact that every time they've needed a drive to seal the deal or take control of a game, Dillon Gabriel and the offense have found a way to get it done. His leadership, poise and experience shapes how they respond to pressure.
A crucial next step for the offense is achieving more variety. In the season's first month they've been too Tez-reliant-- he's a great player but this was supposed to be the best receiver corps in the nation (even Phil Steele said so.) Traeshon Holden and Evan Stewart are big-play weapons. Getting them the ball downfield makes the attack much more potent, and Gabriel is very accurate at the intermediate level or a well-designed deep shot. Though Oregon's tight ends are the best in the West, they've been held out of the end zone over the team's first four games.
Overall, this was a team that had to grow together to achieve their potential, and the evidence of that growth is all around. The effort and intensity has been there from the start. There's every reason to think they'll achieve their 5-0.
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