Bryson Blue
Writer
The No. 5 Oregon Ducks (12-1) defeated No. 12 James Madison (12-2) in the first round of the College Football Playoff, 51-34. However, that result was found unsatisfactory after the Ducks struggled to dominate the Group of 5 opponent in the second half. Now, with the Ducks traveling to play No. 4 Texas Tech (12-1) in the Orange Bowl, those struggles cannot show up with them.
After leading the Dukes 34-6 at halftime, the Ducks completely tapered off, allowing JMU to outscore them in the final two quarters. The offense wasn’t the issue, as Dante Moore threw for 313 yards, 4 touchdowns, and two interceptions. Moore also added a fifth touchdown to his box score on the ground.
The major problem was the defense. There is no world where Oregon should allow 509 yards of total offense. Both head coach Dan Lanning and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi expressed vociferous frustration with the team’s performance against JMU. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are a different beast, and if Oregon wants any chance at winning the Orange Bowl and advancing, they have to play four quarters of quality football.
Oregon cannot bet on winning the Orange Bowl by outgunning Texas Tech. The Red Raiders’ front seven is extremely good and will, without a doubt, cause some trouble for the Ducks’ offense. The Ducks have to get back to their balanced identity because there will not be any room for the defensive mishaps seen against JMU.
Currently, according to FanDuel, the Ducks are narrow favorites against the Red Raiders, opening as the 1.5-point favorite. Essentially, this game could be a toss-up. Oregon has to play disciplined, balanced, and smart football. The hype around Moore is loud, but he has to seize the moment and not let it get to his head. Because if he doesn’t, the Orange Bowl and the season could be at risk.
Tony Thomas
Writer
The Oregon Ducks defense pillaged the championship aspirations of Texas Tech from their competitive psyche
Tony Thomas
Writer
Two talented defenses will battle for supremacy in the Orange Bowl
Chris Kuehnhold
Writer
For several decades, one of the most viewed post season awards is the National Coach of the Year Award. There are currently approximately twelve such awards. Often, these have a different set of criteria on which they judge the nominees. In many seasons, you end up with multiple coaches being named as Coach of the […]
