Questions lingered about Oregon’s defense in the week leading up to the Ducks’ Pac-12 opener against Utah.
In three non-conference games, defensive coordinator Don Pellum’s unit was characterized by soft pass-coverage, sloppy tackling and an overall sluggish mentality. They were inconsistent at best. The worst, as it turned out, had yet to come.
The Ducks were outmatched in practically every phase on Saturday. An out-of-sync offense only scored 20 points. But most glaringly, the defense gave up 62 points to a Utes offense – the most points given up by an Oregon defense at home since 1985.
“It was like an avalanche that couldn’t stop,” said secondary coach John Neal.
Though the end result didn’t reflect it, the Ducks were actually within reach at halftime. A 27-13 deficit was far from insurmountable. But as the second half began, it became apparent quickly that the Ducks wouldn’t be mounting a comeback.
It took all of one minute and 39 seconds for the Utes to score in the third quarter – when Wilson took a quarterback-keeper into the end zone untouched.
Jeff Lockie threw an interception shortly thereafter, giving Utah the ball deep in Oregon territory. On the next play, the Utes fooled Oregon’s defense with a trick play in which running back Devontae Booker lofted a pass to receiver Britain Covey for another easy score. Just like that, Utah had doubled the deficit to 28, and the Ducks, already dealing with a slow-moving offense, were toast.
Still, several players insisted that the team had turned a corner in practice this week, and were ready for the challenge of stopping a physical Utah team.
“I felt like we were really prepared,” senior linebacker Rodney Hardrick said. “We had a great scheme, a great plan. I was confident and knew what they were doing. But we just gave up too many plays at the wrong times. On all phases of our team.”
Pellum knew his defense had to make adjustments after three subpar performances. The young secondary has been criticized early and often this season, forcing Oregon to make some personnel changes. Freshman Glen Ihenacho started at cornerback ahead of Arrion Springs, while sophomore Juwaan Williams took Reggie Daniels’ starting strong safety spot.
“We needed to create some competition,” said head coach Mark Helfrich of the secondary.
The secondary was far from perfect, but the blame couldn’t have been placed solely on them. Complacency became a theme as the game grew more out of reach. The leaders of the defense are now tasked with teaching younger players that winning isn’t a given.
“I feel like guys just think when you put on the uniform, you win, just like that,” senior defensive end DeForest Buckner said. “It doesn’t happen like that.”
Though the Ducks are now tempering postseason hopes, the season is far from over. A dejected defense has lots to improve on. Now the Ducks must follow through.
“Everyone needs to pull their own weight,” Buckner said. “We can’t be out there making mistake after mistake. It’s got to stop.”
Follow Will Denner on Twitter @Will_Denner
Oregon’s defense has no answer for Utah in blowout loss
Will Denner
September 25, 2015
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