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Oregon Football Defense Playing At A Different Level In Pac-12 Play

By Justin Phillips

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jevon Holland #8 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates with teammates after he intercepted a pass against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of the Redbox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jevon Holland #8 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates with teammates after he intercepted a pass against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of the Redbox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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There is something different about Oregon Football this year and it is not the Oregon Offense.

I’m sure by now I am not the only one who has noticed, but Oregon Football has been playing some outstanding football over the last month of the season.

Andy Avalos has his unit in the right places to make plays. They are swarming opposing Quarterbacks, and are stuffing opposing running backs and tackling the opposition for a loss, which is something Oregon has struggled in the recent past.

The biggest stat may be that Oregon has given up a minimum of explosive plays. The team has yet to give up a play of 40+ yards this season. Jevon Holland is not only a key player on the defense but is also a role player on special teams for the Ducks.

Holland has used his speed on Special Teams to help the Ducks get key return yards. This season he also has 3 interceptions, including one against Auburn in the first game of the season.

The Oregon Football Defense showed up against Colorado, holding Quarterback Steven Montez to just 131 yards through the air and an uncharacteristic 4 interceptions. Verone McKinley III had two interceptions in the game, including one off a pass deflection.

Oregon had 8 hits on Montez for the game and also managed 10 tackles for loss among their 79 total tackles in the game. Isaac Slade-Matuatia and Deommodore Lenoir had pass breakups and Thomas Graham Jr. including 5 tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss. Graham has shown his versatility on the field this season playing in multiple spots.

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Of course, Troy Dye is the heart of the Defense and is the lead communicator on the field. Despite a scare on Friday night, Dye and Holland are expected to practice this week and be available against Washington on Saturday.

Oregon Defensive Coordinator Andy Avalos is finding ways to get everyone involved mixing experience, speed, and different looks to find success. Oregon is starting to get some recognition as well and are among some of the top teams in the country including Notre Dame, and Wisconsin. In Pac-12 play, the Ducks have given up just 17 points over the last month.

Oregon Football heads to Washington to take on the Huskies. Kickoff is set for Saturday at 12:30 pm Pacific Time on ABC.

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