Ducks Rumble, Stumble, Reorient, Stun Michigan 38-17
By Ken Woody
Many knowledgeable fans felt a bit uneasy with their Ducks favored by 14.5 points going into Oregon’s cross-country trip to the storied Big House that houses Michigan’s maize and blue machine that has been near unbeatable year after year. That the Ducks were ahead at halftime 28-10 caught the attention of 110,576 fans and everyone else who follows Big Ten football, but sure enough, the third-quarter malaise that seems to affect Lanning and his brood this season made its appearance and tightened up sphincters of fans who still suffer flashbacks caused by Oregon collapses from the 60’s through ‘80’s. In the last six games Oregon has amassed three points in the third quarter and by the end of the third in Ann Arbor, had added only three more.
The Ducks righted the ship, mostly by demonstrating the discipline and fierce commitment to hard work and daily improvement that the indefatigable Lanning has instilled in his program the past three years. When Lanning looks at the game’s statistics, he will note that with few exceptions, Oregon doubled up Michigan in all important phases of the big game as well as being penalized only two times for 10 yards.
Running backs James Jordan and Noah Whittington, with a 23-yard touchdown run by quarterback Dillon Gabriel, combined for 176 yards rushing while the improving defense held mighty Michigan to only 106; which has to be a shock for fans who have grown old watching the Blue Machine routinely hanging a couple hundred on helpless foes.
Michigan is the defending national champion, buoyed by a nasty defense and cruel offense that last year pounded their opponents in the dirt. This year is different. Like Ohio State, another team that saw a lot of quality players move on to the NFL, the Wolverines lost a first-round drafter at quarterback and does not have the skill guys to move their pass offense out of the basement of the Big Ten this year. Against an experienced Duck secondary, Michigan could only eke out 165 yards compared to Gabriel’s total of 294.
Michigan’s brilliant All-America tight end Colston Loveland was responsible for 112 yards and could give Oregon’s offensive coordinator Will Stein ideas for cool pass routes to add to the arsenal. Gabriel had his poorest production of the season in the second half, completing only 6-of-12 pass attempts for 77 yards. Losing leading receiver Tez Johnson in the first half may have been an issue, but it shouldn’t, based on the Ducks’ deep talent at all receiving positions.
There have been several instances recently where Gabriel forced the ball in a covered Johnson’s direction while overlooking other receivers who were open. Johnson looks to be out with either a collarbone or shoulder injury that may cause him to miss games left on the schedule. As the game wore on, Oregon’s pass protection, unbreachable prior, broke down and Gabriel could not set and throw. Instead, he was scrambling and off balance much of the time; the result was an offensive show that did not resemble the one that occurred in the first half.
As Lanning mulls the third quarter offensive slowdown that has become more of an issue the past four games, pass protection would be a place to start. One of the best things last year’s pass offense did was putting Bo Nix in a variety of throwing positions, not just straight drop back all the time. This is to the advantage of the offensive line and to a quarterback who are raw meat for big pass rushers while attempting to pass from the same position all the time. Film study might also show that the Ducks depend on the same few formations when things get dicey and don’t use quarterback misdirection to open up passing lanes.
Last week against Illinois, coach Stein called several outside running plays catching a defense that was anticipating inside runs. The results were outstanding as tight end and wide receiver’s blocking dominated outside defenders; this is a strength for the Ducks. Against the Wolverines, the Ducks seemed to forget that in favor of running plays that left them in long yardage situations. Not utilizing this asset puts more pressure on an offensive line that is not deep.
Oregon was able to get six Big Plays passing for 188 yards which averages to 31.3 per catch; Dillon Gabriel completed 16 more for only 106 yards, a scant 6.6 average. Although the short passes completed move the offense, one could suggest that the Ducks could throw deep more often. Tez Johnson is not the only speedy receiver Gabriel has to throw to; Traeshon Holden, Justius Lowe, and Evan Stewart have fast feet, good moves and great hands. It would be a shame to shrivel up because Tez is out of action. It’s been many years since Oregon has had the skill, speed, and open field running ability of this group of receivers.
Michigan’s top two backs were held to only 68 yards, which is outstanding. A question remains: is it possible to maintain that run defense and get a better pass rush? Tosh Lopi, defensive coordinator, is gaining much respect and recognition for his (and his assistants’) excellent teaching and preparation of the defense this season. Game by game there has been improvement and correction and you can see the high degree of discipline the unit has accrued; no longer are critics bellyaching about all the poor tackling Oregon’s defense showed game after game in the past, but they would like to see more hands and arms up in the quarterback’s face.
Lanning’s offense scored five touchdowns and a field goal on nine drives in the game while holding Michigan to two touchdowns and a field goal on nine drives. A look at the third quarter showed Oregon lurching dead in the water: three-and-out with ultra conservative play calling after getting the kickoff; and a field goal after one first down and penalty. In the fourth quarter: one first down, false start penalty, chaos; and finally, a touchdown on an 11-play, 90-yard drive at the end of the game.
Part of the third quarter meltdown came from the offensive line. Guard Marcus Harper was injured and his replacement was run over by a rusher that hit Gabriel as he was throwing; the offensive line appeared to blow the blocking for a quick screen and the pad level and aggressive run blocking became passive; the linemen appeared fatigued, understandable due to the lack of depth available.
Injuries are mounting in the college football world and it’s hit the Ducks, too. Although Jordan Burch and Terrance Ferguson were back, the loss of Johnson, and potentially, Harper, could seriously hinder what has become a smooth offensive machine. The good news is that Lanning has talent to plug into those positions, the bad news is the offensive line has talent, but little experience to spare.
Coach Lanning preaches many things to his team, usually around a simply-worded mantra that is stressed every day, every practice, every play: “execute and be physical every single play.” The Illinois game was an example of nearly perfect execution of that week’s mantra. Michigan was more of a challenge than Illinois in that the Ducks are now wearing targets on their backs, they had to travel nation-wide, and endure a loud, imposing mass of 110,00 screaming fans. There were some mistakes (“opportunities for improvement”—Book of Lanning) and the Ducks did not back down, mostly because of the way Lanning and his staff, lead, teach, and hold their student athletes to the highest standards. After all, when you do it every day, every play in practice, the game is no different than practice; it’s just real people yelling at you and not the high volume recorded racquet they are subjected to at practice every day.
Ken Woody coached college football for 18 years as an assistant at Oregon, Washington, Utah State and Washington State and as a head coach at Whitman College and Washington University-St. Louis. HIS COACHING CLINIC, FREE TO ALL, WILL BE AT THE 6TH STREET GRILL ON THURSDAY AT 6:00 P.M. THIS WEEK. Plays from Oregon games are analyzed, there are scouting reports for opponents, and highlights from referees; all to learn and enjoy football and understand why the Ducks win or lose.
Questions and comments welcomed.
Contact Ken at: woody8783@comcast.net
