The Oregon defense has gone widely unnoticed this season despite having a strong year through the first nine games. On paper, the Duck defense compares adequately with other top-ranked teams around the country, so here’s a look at a few of those numbers that stand out.
5: Interceptions by Oregon sophomore Cliff Harris this season. LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson, likely a high first round pick in the 2011 NFL draft should he decide to declare, has just two.
100.1: Pass efficiency defense for Oregon as a team, first in the Pacific-10 Conference. California comes in second at 109.2 and Stanford third at 120.3.
15: Interceptions for the Oregon defense so far this year. The second-ranked Auburn Tiger defense has just eight.
17.6: Percent of fourth downs converted by Oregon opposition this year. Boise State opponents are converting 26.6 percent so far this year.
64.3: Percent of time opponents score on Oregon in the red zone. TCU opponents score in 73 percent of their red zone appearances.
.33: Fumbles recovered per game by linebackers Casey Matthews and Boseko Lokombo. Matthews and Lokombo have each recovered three fumbles this year.
6: Pass breakups for defensive tackle Brandon Bair. No player on Boise State has more than five pass breakups.
3: Defensive touchdowns for Oregon this year. LSU has none.
13.0: Tackles for a loss registered by Brandon Bair this year. Star Alabama lineman Marcell Dareus has just eight.
3: Interceptions for linebacker Casey Matthews so far this year. Brother Clay Matthews III never had an interception in his entire career at USC.
California head coach Jeff Tedford on the Oregon defense:
“Defensively, they’re right up there in the nation and the conference as leaders on defense as well. They’re able to play off each other offensively and defensively, but they’re solid in all phases of the game, not just offense and defense but special teams as well. They’re as complete a team, as you’re going to see.”
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