It was oddly fitting that this past weekend’s Oregon-Washington game was the last at Husky Stadium. Just as the doors shut for good at Seattle’s historic venue, so too did any talk of a game that had only just ended. Just like that, it was on to Stanford, a matchup sure to define the 2011 season for both teams.
We’re thinking about the Cardinal, too. But before Andrew Luck and co. take over our coverage entirely, it seemed prudent to revisit the Washington game one last time, gauging what we learned from it and how it applies to the “New Game of the Century” (what’s that? ESPN’s not on board with that distinction? I forgot, only 9-6 game decided by missed field goals can be graced with that distinction). And with that, let’s take one last trip back into Husky Stadium.
The Good:
– Oregon’s Pass Rush

After all the talk about a matchup of two explosive offenses, and the predictions of an old fashioned shootout, it’s safe to say that no one could have seen a dominant six sack performance coming from Oregon’s much-maligned defense. Dion Jordan and Wade Keliikipi were all over the place, each coming through with 1.5 sacks, and three other Ducks had at least one sack (Josh Kaddu, Taylor Hart, Brandon Hanna).
It’s no coincidence that, in turn, Washington quarterback Keith Price threw for just 143 yards (his second lowest total of the season) and two interceptions. History has proven time and time again that relentless pressure is one of the best ways to stop a prolific quarterback, and Stanford’s Andrew Luck will provide an even steeper challenge. If Oregon has any hope of containing Luck, it will have to push the pass rush into an even higher gear in Palo Alto. Luck is the rare quarterback who can make near-perfect throws both in and out of the pocket, but if you watch this video of his throws last year against Oregon, it’s clear that (just like anyone else) he’s at his worst when under duress:

Whether Oregon can replicate its Washington performance against a Stanford line that has allowed just four sacks all season could be a difference maker.
-Winning the turnover battle
Terrance Mitchell’s vicious strip of receiver Michael Hartvigson in the third quarter Saturday was emblematic of the defense’s newfound ball-hawking. After struggling at the beginning of the year, the Ducks have forced eight turnovers in the last four weeks alone, and the trend will need to continue against Stanford. If you go back and watch that video again, you’ll see that two of the biggest plays last year were turnovers — an Eddie Pleasant fumble recovery that led to Oregon taking a 38-31 lead, and then a Cliff Harris interception on the very next drive. Stanford never recovered.
Harris may — presumably—remain suspended for this year’s matchup, but Mitchell and Pleasant (two interceptions Saturday) proved that this defense still knows how to capitalize on opportunities.
– LaMichael James and Darron Thomas
James looks to be just about 100 percent after rushing for 156 yards (and 6.2 yards per carry) against Washington, and Thomas, while uneven at times, did just enough in the second half to get the doubters off his back.
The Bad: 
-Secondary issues
Oregon’s defensive backs may be coming up with more turnovers, but their coverage has still been somewhat concerning of late. With Harris suspended — and veteran Anthony Gildon sitting out the past two games with an injury — younger players like Mitchell, Troy Hill and Avery Patterson have been under a heavy burden in coverage, and their collective inexperience has shown through at times. Oregon has benefitted from countless drops by opposing receivers throughout the year, and the Washington game was no different. Were it not for a few key mistakes by Husky receivers, the game could have been a whole lot closer.
It’s dangerous to rely on these types of mistakes from opponents, especially against a team as talented as Stanford. Whether or not Gildon can return on Saturday could be key, as will Pleasant and fellow safety John Boyett’s ability to clean up any blown coverages.
-Kicking game
It was no Alabama-LSU (sorry: “Game of the Century”), but Oregon’s field goal troubles were a bit disconcerting against Washington. By the look of it, Alejandro Maldonado simply doesn’t have the leg for anything over 45 yards, and this could be an issue if Rob Beard can’t return against Stanford. A game as closely contested as this one presumes to be could end up being decided by a long field goal, and Maldonado’s just not there yet. It seems like a small complaint, but it could be important in the waning minutes on Saturday.
The Ugly: 
That we have to wait another five days before this game kicks off.