One of the surprises of this season has been Oregon’s much-improved defense under new defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt. They’ll face a stiff test this weekend when they match up with the most experienced quarterback they’ve seen this season: Washington State senior Luke Falk.
Part of the reason that Falk posts such impressive stats is that he has many opportunities to pass with Mike Leach at the helm. Leach coaches an air-raid offense that is ranked second in the nation in total passing yards and loves a quarterback willing to chuck the ball all over the field.
This is Falk’s third full season as the starter. This season he leads the nation in average completions per game and ranks within the top six nationally in six out of 10 quarterback statistical categories.
With all the success he’s having, how do you stop Luke Falk?
“I don’t know if you do,” Leavitt said. “Honestly, he’s going to move the ball — we know that. He’s too good. But hopefully we can challenge him a little bit.”
Leavitt and the defense will need to figure out a way to dial up the pressure on Saturday, but there are risks involved with that too.
“You have to win some one-on-one battles and do your best to get to him because he gets rid of the ball, and he’s really accurate when he does get rid of the ball,” head coach Willie Taggart said. “He has some really talented receivers who can make you pay. So, I think it’s very important that we get to Mr. Falk.”
Occasionally, the Cougars will run the ball, but typically the running backs receive the ball via Falk in the passing game as well.
“He makes everything go, and he has a good supporting cast and it’s been working,” defensive line coach Joe Salave’a said. “He’s going to make his plays. That kid is blessed with a lot of tools, and it shows every Saturday.”
Washington State has had Oregon’s number the last two seasons, putting up a combined 96 points on the Ducks’ defense. This year’s secondary is a very young group, which could play into Falk’s favor, but it also means Falk will be going up against a handful of new faces.
“I think it’s going to be fun,” redshirt freshman safety Brady Breeze said. “I’ve never been able to play against Washington State, so I’m pretty excited to see what their offense is like on the field. Watching it is a little different, but when you’re on the field, it’s definitely going to be a lot faster. Their routes are going to be flying all over the place, and they’re going to be fast paced. So, I’m excited to see what they can do and see how we hold up against them.”
Follow Zak Laster on Twitter @zlast3445
Oregon secondary needs to bring its A game against WSU quarterback Luke Falk
Zak Laster
October 5, 2017
Adam Eberhardt
One of the surprises of this season has been Oregon’s much-improved defense under new defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt. They’ll face a stiff test this weekend when they match up with the most experienced quarterback they’ve seen this season: Washington State senior Luke Falk. Part of the reason that Falk posts …
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