Not many people realize this, but Rocky lost to Apollo Creed in the first movie.
The Italian Stallion was able to get his rematch and finally beat the world champ in the second movie.
If the Ducks are Rocky, the script should go their way when they meet Utah for the second time in three weeks. But this time it’s for all the conference and Rose Bowl marbles.
Of course, Rocky winning the rematch was in the script.
In order for Oregon to get the job done, the Ducks will have to go back to the tape and see what went wrong and make adjustments to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself.
That tape might be a long one, however, because a lot went wrong in Salt Lake City.
Oregon went away from the running game against the Utes very early in the game and against the Beavers, the Ducks proved to themselves that they can successfully run the ball against one of the top defenses in the conference.
Oregon State allowed the most rushing yards this season as the Ducks racked up 231 yards. A similar effort has to be there next Friday night in Las Vegas if Oregon has any chance of getting back to Pasadena.
The defense allowed Utah to convert on third down at an 11-for-14 clip, which of course, extends drives and time of possession. It also keeps the Duck offense off the field.
If Kyle Willingham could have drawn it up, the 38-7 drubbing of Oregon would be exactly how it would go.
Something else that absolutely has to change for Oregon is offensive line play.
For the first time all season, the Ducks up front were pushed around for an entire game. Travis Dye didn’t have any holes to run through and the Ducks just weren’t able to move the ball consistently.
Quarterback Anthony Brown needs to turn in a performance like he just did against the Beavers.
He just wasn’t himself in Salt Lake City.
But he was able to turn everything around in the rivalry game by going 23-of-28 passing for 275 yards and two touchdowns. Brown also ran for 83 yards and a score. Utah did a good job to bottle him up.
One advantage Oregon will have going into the title game is that it won’t be in Salt Lake City.
Adrian won’t be in the stands either, but there will be plenty of Duck fans to say, “Yo! We did it!”