Sunday Takeaway: Oregon Ducks Season Will Be a Work In Progress

The Oregon Ducks saw what they should be last night only it was on the opposing sideline.

More from Autzen Zoo

Colorado came into Autzen Stadium not knowing what to expect from the Oregon Ducks. In just three games this season fans did not really know either. Their first two opponents were blow out wins, and the third, a close loss against Nebraska where Oregon had opportunities, but got in their own way. The situation on Saturday afternoon was totally different.

Oregon started out flat on Defense and played from behind for most of the game. Colorado came out of the gate on fire like they knew that the Ducks would ‘wake up’. Quarterback Steven Montez played as close to perfect football in the first half. The Colorado Defense kept Oregon off balance forcing six punts in the game by the Ducks. It was a game of catchup that the Buffaloes wanted, and in the end the barn was burning.

The Oregon Defense stepped up to start the third quarter for two interceptions that led to scores by the Offense. The D changed the momentum, but Colorado still controlled the momentum against a Defense that is still a work in progress. They could not wrap up Montez in key moments of the 4^th Quarter. The Ducks had a shot at the end, but the finish, like the momentum was all Colorado.

Inside the 10 yard line Dakota Prukop threw a pass into the corner of the endzone for Wide Receiver Darren Carrington that was picked off. An interception at the worst time. It may have been more painful than the missed field goal against Stanford a few years back. The sense of urgency and the elation of the crowd falling to a being able to hear a pin drop for a brief moment.

The feeling of being in a vacuum for a moment and the realization that just getting to a bowl game may be a struggle in 2016. Never mind that the Defense, who gave up 28 points per game last season had that total by halftime. The Defensive Star of the Game Troy Dye again did everything in his power with a sack and an interception.

Both Head Coach Mark Helfrich and Quarterback Dakota Prukop appeared shell shocked in post game interviews. For the first time this season, you could see it in both of their faces. It wasn’t all ‘coach speak’ about getting better, it was ‘a train wreck’ in the end and Helfrich went through all the emotions on the field in the moment.

It was a gut check.

The fan base was of course losing their minds calling for Justin Herbert at Quarterback, the firing of the Head Coach. Some even said just beat Oregon State and the rest will be forgiven. One thing is clear, this program is progressing. Progressing toward the future the nest way they can with a Freshman Offensive Line and a new 4-3 Defensive Scheme with a new Defensive Coordinator.

It is not something that magically happens overnight. Patience is required and the growing pains will be worth it. Save your ankles and don’t jump just yet – if you have already then there was really no hope for you to begin with.

You have to take the journey to get to the destination. Another perspective, the Ducks could be Notre Dame or USC.

The Fighting Irish enter the week with no leadership, no motivaton and a loss to Duke. Add to it that their Defense is now outside the Top 100 Rankings nationally. USC has turned from one of the Ducks best opponents over the years into a complete dumpster fire with players looking to bail early in the season. At least Oregon will be entertaining and has players that WANT to play for the program.

This season will have more ups and downs and lessons on the field, experience to be gained from young players and hopefully a bowl game to build on for 2017. Colorado came into Autzen and showed the Ducks what they should be right now, but Oregon needs consistency and identity, which should develop the rest of this season.

The journey continues on Saturday in Pullman against Washington State.

Home/Oregon Ducks Football