Oregon’s defense was only responsible for five sacks through the first four games of the 2015 season.
Of the five, 1.5 came from the Ducks’ defensive line. In three games since (Colorado, Washington State and Washington), the Ducks combined for 16 sacks on opposing quarterbacks – more than tripling their previous output.
Most importantly, Oregon’s defensive line totaled 10 of the team’s last 16 sacks, including all four in its most recent victory at Washington.
Although Oregon’s secondary has drawn criticism in nearly every game this season because of its 121st-ranked pass defense, the defensive line’s lack of pressure at the beginning of the year is partially to blame. Without a consistent pass rush, opposing quarterbacks have been allowed too much time in the pocket. Sacks don’t tell the whole story, but much of the defensive line’s increase in production over the last three games can be attributed to more hits on quarterbacks. As a result, Oregon’s pass defense is slowly becoming more well-rounded.
Senior defensive end DeForest Buckner is responsible for a large portion of the unit’s improved pass rush. Buckner’s five sacks are a team-high, and he’s been unstoppable in stretches this season.
Early in the third quarter against Washington, Buckner sacked Huskies quarterback Jake Browning on back-to-back plays, singlehandedly halting a promising scoring drive.
“He’s just that factor, he’s going to get through that line of scrimmage,” said cornerback Ugo Amadi, who grabbed the game-clinching interception against Washington.
Defensive coordinator Don Pellum believes his defensive line has been similar all season. The major improvement over the last few games has come from the secondary.
“I don’t know if the [pass rush] has changed a lot,” Pellum said. “What we’re doing overall between the front and the back, I think we’re playing better coverage behind them and allowing a little more time for our guys to continue to rush.”
However, interior defensive linemen, particularly senior nose tackle Alex Balducci, have stepped up for the Ducks. Balducci has two and a half sacks on the season, all of which came during the last three games.
Combining Buckner and Balducci with a rotation of Tui Talia and fast-emerging Henry Mondeaux at the opposite end position, Oregon has a formidable defensive line.
Still, the Ducks are weary of plays left on the field. Sixteen sacks over the last three games is an improvement, but the Ducks feel like they should have more.
“We’re doing well, but we just need to finish,” Balducci said. “There’s a lot of tackles outside the box and a lot of sacks that we could’ve gotten.”
Oregon’s pressure against Washington almost wasn’t enough, as the Huskies nearly came back and spoiled a 26-20 victory.
Thursday’s game at Arizona State won’t be as forgiving. Quarterback Mike Bercovici is protected by an experienced offensive line of four seniors and a junior. The unit also hasn’t given up more than one sack in four of its seven games. Oregon’s defensive line, its anchor, will be tested once again.
Follow Will Denner on Twitter @Will_Denner