After three wins followed by a startling setback to Boise State, Oregon’s football team seems to be sitting on the edge.
Saturday’s game at Washington State will do a lot to answer which direction the Ducks are moving in – either a game that shows better things are to come, or an early-season collapse.
Yes, Oregon will have Jeremiah Masoli back at quarterback after his concussion last week that kept him out of much of the action against Boise State. And sure, Darron Thomas looked the part of a composed college quarterback in his 15 minutes of playing time and fame – he took the mobs of reporters and cameras in stride this week at practice.
But is it good enough that Oregon fans have to cross their fingers about their third-, fourth- and fifth-string quarterbacks, not to mention hoping for the resurgence of the strong defense they’ve known all season? Or is last week’s loss to Boise State just an anomaly for a successful season to come?
In lieu of having a crystal ball, here are some ideas for why Oregon should be worried or excited about the upcoming eight games.
The Bad
? Injuries. The injury bug has come early this year. The obvious concern is depth at several positions, including quarterback and the defensive line. Everyone is healthy along the defensive line and they did allow only 38 yards against Boise State, but no one is sure whether Ra’Shon Harris will continue to be a force at defensive tackle. None of the other three players who rotate at tackle have stood out, and an injury to one would be a blow to the rush defense. While Masoli will return, the hurt throwing shoulder of Chris Harper means he isn’t a threat to pass, leaving only Thomas to shoulder that load should Masoli be injured again.
? Turnovers. Head coach Mike Bellotti called this the most important factor as to the Ducks’ future, yet Oregon is eighth in the Pac-10 Conference with seven turnovers gained to 11 lost. The Ducks have also given up 11 first downs due to penalties: second worst in the Pac-10. Stopping those kind of penalties stops drives and keeps points off the board.
The Good
? Washington State. While Oregon has had troubles with turnovers, the Cougars have had an even tougher time, ranking last in the conference with nine fewer turnovers gained than lost. The Cougs have also allowed 12 sacks, tied for the worst in the conference. Counting on an inexperienced quarterback to lead an already shaky offense is less than desirable (sound familiar, Oregon?) but it’s near impossible when he’s on the ground.
? Oregon’s rushing ability. For all the troubles at quarterback, the Ducks’ running backs have been productive all season despite an injury to Jeremiah Johnson against Utah State. Running behind one of the best offensive lines in the conference, if not the nation, the Ducks have averaged more than 299 rushing yards a game this year, which ranks fourth in the nation and first in the conference. Contrast that to the Cougar rush defense, which gives up nearly 250 yards each game: worst in the conference.
The Ducks have proved they’re fighters from their comeback wins to their rebounding from injuries. Now it’s a case of whether they can sustain that resilience for the final two months of the regular season.
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