Levi’s Stadium was host to Oregon’s best defensive game of the year as they were crowned Pac-12 champions following their 51-13 rout of Arizona.
The crowd saw it. Oregon defensive coordinator Don Pellum saw it. Anyone who had previously questioned the capabilities of the Oregon defense saw it.
Whether or not the Ducks defense can play at that level heading into the inaugural college football playoff is another question. But if there is any truth in momentum and hitting your stride late in the season, Oregon looks to be headed in the right direction, especially on the defensive end.
“We’ve been practicing and preparing for something like this all season,” Tony Washington said about the defense after the Pac-12 title game. “For us to go out there and showcase it was a big deal.”
Right after the celebrations ended on the podium and the confetti was all used up, the media crowded the Oregon locker room, looking to soak up an electrified environment.
Who had the biggest smile among the coaching staff?
First year defensive coordinator Pellum.
“I’m really most proud of our young men because they played their best game in the last game,” Pellum said after the Pac-12 title game. “Sometimes you have a great game in the middle of the season and the rest of them are ok. They played their best when their best was needed.”
Pellum, who was at the defensive helm for a 12-1 season, was largely responsible for Oregon’s biggest win. There’s no way around it.
Even despite being subject to bad performances against Washington State and Arizona early in the season, giving up 31 points in back-to-back weeks, Pellum had his players ready to go when everything was on the line. Even he was caught off guard to see them play the way they did with the nation’s eyes on their backs.
What does this mean?
It means that the first year coach needed some time to adjust to his new role.
Again, there is no telling which Oregon defense will be present for their Rose Bowl matchup with a Jameis Winston led Florida State team.
Oregon’s defensive performances against the Wildcats may end up having been a seasonal anomaly. But if it doesn’t, a lot of credit has to go to Pellum and his staff because if there is a time to be clicking on all cylinders, it’s now.
As the Ducks prepare for their matchup with the defending national champions — a team that is riding a 29-game winning streak – they will need their defense to carry over some of the success they experienced at Levi’s Stadium.
No one is expecting them to repeat in the same fashion, but there is no doubt that they will be a key factor in the Ducks making the national title game. Fortunately for them, it looks like the odds will be in their favor.
“A little chip on their shoulder,” Mark Helfrich said in reference to the defense. “There’s the offense, the offense, the offense and the defense at Oregon never gets enough credit. Our guys just believe in the deal and we’re going.”
Follow Hayden Kim on Twitter @HayDayKim