It was Oregon’s defensive line that dominated for the second consecutive game.
The Ducks allowed less than 3.5 yards per rush on 35 attempts. In fact, the -Huskies rushed 11 times for 50 yards in the fourth quarter – mostly against the reserves.
“Throughout the whole week we’ve been studying their weaknesses,” Haloti Ngata said of Washington’s offensive line. “They play light on their feet. We decided that if we basically push them back we can get to their quarterback. … My game plan was to push them back and open up holes for our defensive ends and linebackers to get the sacks.”
Ngata and fellow defensive lineman Devan Long keyed the attack. Long recorded seven tackles, two of which were sacks and four total tackles for a loss of 13 yards.
However, Long said Ngata is the difference-maker for Oregon.
“I love having him on my side,” Long said. “He’s just a plug. Our two tackles are doing all the work and they are letting me and Vic (Filipe) just run around and be the little quick guys and make plays.”
The two veterans on the defensive front have led an Oregon defense that has allowed a minuscule 108.4 rushing yards per game average this season, ranking third in the Pacific-10 Conference. The Ducks have also given up only six rushing touchdowns, tied for second best in the conference.
“Haloti Ngata compressed that pocket all day today,” Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti said. “I really thought our defense played very, very well today in containing (Stanback) and the rest of their offense.”
Washington finished with 238 yards of total offense, 148 yards below its average. The Ducks held the Huskies to 131 yards of total offense through three quarters.
“I was very disappointed with our team today,” Washington head coach Tyrone Willingham said. “I thought we had some opportunities today that we didn’t cash in on.”
The other Williams
Senior wide receiver Demetrius Williams is Oregon’s all-time leader with 100-plus receiving yards in a game, something he has done 10 times. He is also climbing the record charts with receiving yardage and receptions in a career, where he ranks fifth in both categories.
Then there is Jaison Williams, a 6-foot-5, 237-pound redshirt freshman. He followed in the shoes of his mentor and namesake with a breakout performance against the Huskies, catching five passes for 55 yards and one touchdown.
Prior to the game, he had four catches for 52 yards and a touchdown.
“Once I got that first … hit, I just knew from this point on you’ve got to start ballin,’” Williams said. “All I need is Kellen’s (Clemens) trust and to keep catching the ball and I can do some good things here.”
Williams caught an eight-yard touchdown with 23 seconds remaining in the first quarter to give Oregon the lead for good. He also came up with a 12-yard reception inside the one-yard line on a third down and nine. One play later, the elder Williams caught a touchdown to get the Ducks on the scoreboard.
“Jaison Williams is gaining confidence,” Clemens said. “If you just look at him physically, he’s got all the potential in the world. When he plays with confidence he is unstoppable.”
Confidence is one of the most important intangibles for a young receiver and that is what both the quarterback and the receiver have gained in each other after Saturday’s performances.
“I can go for negative four (yards) or I can go for 25,” Williams said. “As long as I catch the ball I feel like my confidence will keep going up.”
Dropping the ball
Oregon put the ball on the turf on each of its first two touches. Wide receiver James Finley caught a two-yard pass on the first play of the game, but fumbled it at the Oregon 40-yard line. On the ensuing possession, running back Terrence Whitehead fumbled the handoff from Clemens on the first play of the second series. Washington recovered both and the latter was converted into a touchdown.
On the flip side, Oregon rover Patrick Chung intercepted a Washington pass on the first play of the second half. He returned it 26 yards to the Washington 34-yard line. Seven plays later, Clemens hit Whitehead for an 11-yard touchdown pass to give the Ducks a 28-7 lead.
The Ducks are plus three on turnover margin this season, ranking fourth-best in the conference before the game.