Following Oregon’s third consecutive road loss this season, the Ducks left Utah with a handful of injured players. However, head coach Mario Cristobal is confident behind the sign of positive progression he saw from the team.
“When we don’t win a game, of course, we’re going to be disappointed,” Cristobal said. “There are no medals for trying. … We highlight to our team, when you are working hard and you are rebuilding a culture, the pain steps that come with it, you can’t skip them.”
During Monday’s press conference, Cristobal reflected on Saturday’s 32-25 loss to the Utes by emphasizing the need to always have backup plans in place. In addition, he previewed the Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon’s opponent this week for the final home game of the season.
Saturday’s halftime score of 19-7 was Oregon’s third straight first half at an away game where the team was unable to score double-digits. The Ducks didn’t find momentum until midway in the fourth quarter. A blocked punt by tight end Kano Dillon and a recovery at the 5-yard line by inside linebacker Adrian Jackson set up Oregon’s first, and only, lead of the game at 25-22.
Oregon didn’t ride high for long as the Utes responded with their own touchdown less than two minutes later. A field goal with 15 seconds left in the game, secured the Utes’ victory. The seven-point deficit was Oregon’s smallest away-game losing deficit this season.
“Playing with effort isn’t given,” Cristobal said. “So, we’re not rewarding the fact that we came close. We’re just recognizing the fact that there is progress and ground being made up towards where we want to go. … This requires people that will not flinch when things get tough. It requires people to have nerves of steel, big skin and be able to go to work.”
Oregon was tested in its depth of players as injuries once again took hold of the team. On the defensive side, middle linebacker Sampson Niu left Saturday’s game after the first half with a concussion (Niu was filling in on the starting lineup for Kaulana Apelu, who along with Isaac Slade-Matautia, did not make the trip to Utah due to injury). Offensively, running back CJ Verdell left the second half of the game early and left tackle Steven Jones suffered a severe concussion.
Heading into Saturday’s matchup against the Sun Devils, Oregon will need to regroup and stay healthy in order to slow down ASU’s quarterback Manny Wilkins. Wilkins has thrown for 16 touchdowns this season for a total of 2,449 passing yards. With a career total of 8,048 passing yards, he is 5th on ASU’s all-time record list.
“Manny Wilkins’ development as a quarterback for two straight years is incredible,” Cristobal said. “He makes the right decisions and the ball is out quick. I think he quite doesn’t get enough credit for being a physical guy too. When he runs the ball, he doesn’t hesitate to run you over and throw his body around recklessly, it’s really impressive.”
The game will be a challenge for Oregon’s defense as ASU has not lost a game more than a touchdown behind — something Oregon has not been able to do.
The Ducks and the Sun Devils will kickoff at Autzen Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Update on athlete status:
According to Cristobal, both Niu and Jones enter this week in concussion protocol.
Cristobal noted that running back Cyrus Habibi-Likio suffered a severe leg contusion and stayed in Utah overnight to prevent a blood clot from the risk of flying. He has since returned to Eugene and is healing.
Cristobal also said Verdell is okay as well after tweaking his neck during the game.
Jackson will return to practice tomorrow after tweaking his shoulder, from falling awkwardly on it during the blocked punt. Cristobal said the injury was elevated as not being serious.
Follow Maggie Vanoni on Twitter: @maggie_vanoni
