When a football player experiences a sub-par performance in a big game, he has two options for a response.
Option one involves finding a big rock to crawl under.
Option two — in the case of the Oregon receivers — involves calling for the ball and redeeming themselves by making plays.
Disappointed with last week’s outing against Washington State, Demetrius Williams, Samie Parker and Kellen Taylor are looking to get the Duck offense back on track against Utah.
“It’s real important that everyone is doing their job,” Oregon wide receiver coach Dan Ferrigno said. “When we perform like we did the other day, just from a receivers standpoint, you’re not going to win many games. It’s important that we take a positive step, put that game behind us and get better this week.”
By most standards, Williams had an excellent game against the Cougars, finishing with nine catches for 175 yards and a touchdown. But it was Williams’ fumble after a 47-yard reception late in the first quarter that deflated the momentum Oregon had gained after a blocked punt.
Determined to not to make the same mistake twice, Williams said he’s ready to get back on the field.
“I need to improve on being more focused, catching the ball all the time and making sure I secure the ball after the catch,” Williams said. “It’s important for us to make the catches that we need to and make some plays after, which we know we can.”
Parker stayed relatively quiet against Washington State, finishing with four catches for 58 yards. His day will be remembered for a Jason Fife pass he let bounce off his shoulder pad in the back corner of the end zone.
Despite Parker’s momentary loss of focus, the rest of the receiving corps stands behind him.
“He’s our go-to guy,” Williams said of Parker. “We look to him when we’re in a desperate situation. I think we have to step up more to help Samie out in those roles.
“I don’t see him not being our go to guy all season. He’s our best receiver and we all look to him when we need a play.”
Taylor finished the Washington State game with three catches for 50 yards and said he won’t be satisfied until the Oregon offense can put together a complete game. Taylor is currently third on the team in receiving with 12 catches for 119 yards and said Friday is a perfect time for the receivers to show off their talents.
“We all bring different strengths,” Taylor said. “(Williams) is tall, long and rangy, Samie has the speed and I’m intense. With all three of us out there we have a good blend of speed and size.”