We now know the key to Oregon winning a game if Braxton Burmeister is quarterback: utterly dominate in the running game.
If you look at the stat sheet for Oregon’s 41-21 win over Utah, you’ll see a rushing attack that was unstoppable. It was an extremely impressive performance on the ground, and one the Ducks needed to get their offensive mojo back.
Entering the season, Taggart was confident in his offensive line’s ability to perform. He said that was the unit he is least worried about. They’ve got a quality group from end to end, while the best part is the two tackles.
Left tackle Tyrell Crosby and right tackle Calvin Throckmorton have been two stalwarts on the line.
“Calvin’s had a tremendous season, and I think both those guys — their approach to the game, the way they practice and their football IQ, combined with their energy — they’re helping us get better and better each week offensively,” offensive line coach Mario Cristobal said.
Crosby, who was named to the Pro Football Focus midseason All-American team, is having a very productive senior season. Many people believe he is the best tackle in the nation.
“I do,” Cristobal said. “You always try to remove yourself, so that you’re not biased and it doesn’t come across like you’re gushing over a guy, but I can say that without any reservation.
“Anytime I address his play, I just tell people to turn on the tape and watch him perform, watch him execute.”
The offensive line helped Oregon to 347 rushing yards, a number that is impressive on its own, but more impressive against Utah.
The Utes entered the game as the second-best rushing defense in the Pac-12, allowing 133 rushing yards per game. Running backs Royce Freeman and Tony Brooks-James each ran over 100 yards.
“I was kind of surprised we ran for that many yards,” Brooks-James said. “In the same sense, if you’ve got a great backfield like this, it’s kind of what you do.”
Most impressively, Oregon had only one rush for negative yards. If Burmeister is going to continue to play, the offensive line will need to continue to perform like they did against Utah.
It’s not just on the offensive line; the tight ends help with blocking as well. Jacob Breeland, Cam McCormick and Ryan Bay all contributed to Oregon’s rushing success.
“You can’t live in the open edge lifestyle offensively because there’s answers to that,” Cristobal said. “If you have a tight end that creates the extra gap, then you can make a dent at the line of scrimmage, and you’ve got yourself a complete offense.”
Even if quarterback Justin Herbert returns, the offensive line is important, and their performance often goes unnoticed.
“When you play offensive line, you’re in the service industry,” Cristobal said. “You’re unselfish and you do things so that others can have success.”
Follow Jack Butler on Twitter @Butler917