It started with the O line that blasted the Washington front allowing the effective run game that worked like novicane. Hit it enough over and over you may not feel it at first but in the end, the work will get done. Oregon did give up that one downfield pass, and that HAS to be corrected.
This wasn’t a dynamic UW ground game, but was able to get physical. If you’re a believer in trends and history, Washington is 2-0 over the last six years when it runs for 200 yards or more on the Ducks, and 0-4 when it doesn’t. So our Defense did one hell of a job despite getting scored on more than we’re used to or getting burned on long that long TD pass. On the bright side, when we needed them most, they showed up big. Well, correction 0 and 5.
On to next week.
Washington State, let’s look at their conference record. 1 and 3, so no problem right? But before you start looking past this team, let’s look at those losses. First up. that UCLA loss where Chips team played WAY over their heads and the defense was suspect but two air raid type offense went toe to toe in a 67-63 onslaught lucky win for the Bruins. Definitely an outlier. OK, that said, we move on to Wazzus next game against Utah, a tough as nails Defense Wazzu lost 38-13 . Then the third in the triumverate of losses was Arizona State, a top 25 ranked team, ranked 24 at the time and lost by four 38-34. So, you see the schedule was not kind to Washington State and the ball bounced wrong a few times. Finally last week, they got their mojo back and beat Colorado. So. my case is this, this air raid crap can burn a lot of people on good days so watch out and last year it burned our ass.
Don’t give up big plays
The WSU defense played better overall last week, but had big passing plays in the 41-10 win over Colorado. . If the Cougars can rush Herbert on third and long, figure on a long day indeed but if our run game gets going again, wow. Just remember that with Washington State, that ball comes out fast to crossing wide receivers with room to run because they spread the field. Tackling one on one will be the priority at practices this week for Oregon and at game time.
Points, points, points
Oregon has given up at least 30 points in only one game this year and 27 in another, and that was an SEC team. However, we will face another accurate QB in Gordon at Wazzu if he gets over 2.5 seconds to read his receivers. However, based on the only defense somewhat like Oregons (Utah) he had a mediocre performance with a final Utah 35-Wazzu 13. The Cougars seem capable of scoring a lot of points this week but with pressure on Gordon I feel the Ducks can run over Wazzu at Homecoming and send the students home with a smile.
-Bortzy-
