What’s the saying?
The offense wins games, but the defense wins championships.
Oregon definitely has the offense to win its share of games with quarterback Bo Nix leading the way.
And he certainly had a Heisman Trophy-winning performance against Arizona State which most certainly printed his ticket to New York City in December.
The Ducks also have a premier NFL type receiver in Troy Franklin,….an NFL tailback in Bucky Irving, and a big and talented offensive line that could very easily win the prestigious Joe Moore Award.
It’s safe to say the Duck offense is plenty good enough.
But if the defense wasn’t up to snuff, there would be even more pressure on the offense to light up the scoreboard.
One of the big successes of the 2023 Ducks is that the offense can go out and let it rip and enjoy the process because they’re well aware the defense can hold the opponent down.
In fact, this Oregon defense is one of four teams nationally, ( Michigan, Ohio State & Ohio ) to hold teams to 10 points or less in five different games.
Oregon has also held its opponent to less than 100 rushing yards seven times in 11 games, ranking 11th in rush defense (94.70 YPG)
This might be the best defense Oregon has had since the 1994 Gang Green defense and it appears they’re getting overlooked week after week.
There are no nicknames, no songs, no gimmicks.
There’s not even a superstar fans can point to. It’s a total team effort, which makes it even tougher to deal with. They’re big up front, they’re tough, disciplined,…and they’re fast.
Offensive coordinators around the conference really can’t plan to stay away from one or two Duck defenders. They’re just as good everywhere on the field.
For example, in Oregon’s 49-13 win at Arizona State, the Ducks were led by Cole Martin’s five tackles. They had 19 different players with at least one tackle.
In this offensive-oriented game of today, Oregon is giving up an average of just under 17 points a game.
That’s it.
Two touchdowns and a field goal. Considering Oregon is scoring 47 points a game, it’s no wonder the Ducks are 10-1 and in contention for the College Football Playoff.
The only thing the defense needs to do is stop the Beavers in the Civil War and then get a bit of revenge over Washington,( the Ducks only loss of the season ), in the Pac-12 title game.
If these things are accomplished, it will be because of a team effort on defense that will send the Ducks to the College Football Playoff.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS; Oregon 49, ASU 13