Multiple Oregon players and coaches used the term “snowball” to describe Utah’s 62-20 thrashing of the Ducks on Saturday. And that’s a simple way to assess it. By the end of regulation, Oregon had suffered one of the worst losses in Autzen Stadium history and exposed more flaws than the team has strengths.
Vernon Adams Jr. left the game in the second quarter, Jeff Lockie threw two interceptions and Utah’s offense rolled right over the Ducks’ hapless defense. The loss left Oregon unranked for the first time since 2009, and also makes this week’s matchup against Colorado that much more interesting.
The quarterback position has a big question mark next to it. The Ducks’ secondary – a group that has been outperformed all year – has not shown any signs of improvement. Even more, Byron Marshall left Saturday’s contest with a leg injury and is mostly likely done for the season.
Colorado is riding a three-game win streak coming into this Saturday and poses a threat at wide receiver. Buffaloes’ wide receiver Nelson Spruce caught 106 passes for 1,198 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2014 and has 25 receptions for 276 yards thus far this season.
Here’s how Oregon and Colorado stack up:
Oregon offense vs. Colorado defense 
The glaring question for Oregon’s offense is who will start at quarterback. Adams started Saturday, but exited in the second quarter. While he contends that his broken index finger is not an excuse for his performance, offensive coordinator Scott Frost told reporters Monday that Adams couldn’t put “any steam on the ball” during the game. If that continues to be the case, Lockie could start against Colorado. Judging by his latest performance though, in which the junior completed 50 percent of his passes with two interceptions, the quarterback position appears to be in flux.
On the other hand, Colorado’s defense is coming off its first defensive shutout since 2009. The unit is allowing 16.5 points and 341.2 yards per game. However, this will be Colorado’s first true test of the season, especially when considering the team did not win a single Pac-12 game last year.
Colorado offense vs. Oregon defense
Colorado’s offense is averaging 35.7 points and 272 rushing yards per game this season. Its rushing average is ranked 13th in the nation and uses a trio of capable running backs. Christian Powell, Phillip Lindsay and Michael Adkins II have all ran for over 210 yards on the season and have all scored three touchdowns a piece. Those three names should be paid close attention to, as Oregon’s rushing defense was gauged for 273 yards last week.
But Colorado may try to attack the Ducks through the air given Oregon’s continued struggles at defensive back. As mentioned before, Spruce is one of the most dangerous playmakers in the Pac-12 and the Buffaloes have an experienced quarterback behind center in Sefo Liufau. While Liufau hasn’t put up any impressive statistics this season, it’s a sure bet that head coach Mike MacIntyre is aware of the Ducks’ weakness in the secondary.
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