Oregon’s success this season depended on whether or not the defense could get in the backfield and put pressure on the quarterback and disrupt the running game.
In 2019 this wasn’t much of a problem for the Ducks, but in 2020 it was a hit-or-miss opportunity.
It usually determined the outcome of a game.
To get a greater appreciation of the Duck’s ability to rush and put pressure on the opposing quarterback, teams should ask the offensive coaches at USC. The Ducks were in the face of Kedon Slovis all evening long during the Pac-12 championship game. In fact, Duck DE Kayvon Thibodeaux spent more time there than some of the Trojan running backs.
He’s a game wrecker and Iowa State has taken notice.
“He’s probably the best D-end in college football so he’s going to demand a lot of attention. So really, you’re always going to know where he is at as far as the run game,” Cyclones running back Breece Hall said.
“So he’s going to demand a lot of attention, but you still just got to play your game. And you can’t let one player dictate what you do.”
FIESTA BOWL; OREGON DE KAYVON THIBODEAUX AT MEDIA DAY
Thibodeaux is a beast, but for Oregon, its defense is a lot more than just an NFL-ready defensive end.
According to tight end Charlie Kolar, he might have to pull double duty in blocking Thibodeaux and then dealing with Oregon’s second or third levels when running routes.
“I think No. 1 (Noah Sewell) is a good player. He’s young. I think he’s a really good player. I think they have some safeties who can really do a good job. No. 19 (Jamal Hill) really flashed in the Pac-12 championship game,” he said. “So they have some guys that are really good. We get to play against good defenses and really good teams.
“But just trying to find ways to attack each one, because every player has strengths and every player has weaknesses. So try the best we can to figure out how to attack those different ones.”
Both Hall and Kolar are going to be tough matchups for the Ducks as well. Iowa State is similar to those Stanford teams a few years ago with a big offensive line and utilize the tight end as much as possible.
Hall has had a breakout year, averaging 130 yards a game and has rushed for 19 touchdowns. As for Kolar, the big 6-6, 257- pounder has caught 39 passes, good for second on the team, six of those for touchdowns.
Thibodeaux sees it another way.
It all starts with the quarterback, Brock Purdy. If Oregon can get to him, nothing else matters. But that’s going to be easier said than done.
“If I’m being honest, he seems like the most athletic guy on film I’ve seen,” said Thibodeaux this week.
“He’s super smart, fast. He’s a quick thinker. He makes decisions really fast. So containing him is going to be a big part of the game as well, other than stopping the run.”