Sunday’s Hangover: Ducks can’t find their way in Arlington

In an attempt to get the bad taste of losing a national championship game out of their mouths, Oregon once again gets physically dominated by a football team from the SEC. Oregon looked young and out of place against LSU in the national spotlight. Every Pac 12 defensive coordinator has to be excited after seeing Oregon’s young offensive line make so many mistakes last night. Thomas didn’t have much time to get comfortable and when he did he was not a very accurate passer.

LaMicheal James broke the Duck’s all time rushing record, but was in and out of the game. Oregon could not get into an offensive rhythm rushing for only 95 yards on 28 attempts (3.4 yards per carry). In Chip Kelly’s system this will not do – Oregon has not yet proven to be a drop back passing team. Against LSU the Ducks passing game went 31-54 for 240 yards with James leading the way with 61 yards.

In past articles we thought out loud that LSU would be better off without Jefferson at QB. We were right in a weird way. I believe that LSU didn’t have a lot of faith in Lee and decided to utilize their power running game as their main attack. Oregon played tough but the size and strength of that LSU offensive line wore the Duck defense down. LSU controlled the game clock keeping possession for 33 minutes. I don’t put an emphasis on time of possession with Oregon because of the way they play their hurry up offense, but last night didn’t matter. If you’re going to go three and out what’s the difference between running 30 seconds off the clock or three minutes? Oregon will have to get better play out of their corners in the red zone and more hats to the football. The defense needs to get after it this week in practice hopefully both sides of the ball will shake off this horrible memory and have an intense positive week moving forward to a Pac 12 championship.

Last night was a tough one for Duck fans but keep this in mind, the offensive line will improve before conference play, LSU is a really good football team and was too much too soon for the 2011 Ducks. Also, in the all-important BCS rankings, a loss early is better than losing late in the season. The Ducks still have to grow up a lot of key positions, and with games coming up against Nevada and Missouri State (both at Autzen Stadium), Oregon will get a chance to develop their identity and correct a ton of mistakes before having to play Pac 12 opponents.

You cannot win a football game with four turnovers and 12 penalties (totaling 95 yards) unless your opponent does the same. The Big 12 officiating crew had their hands full (or empty depending on how you look at it) keeping an eye on the 2011 Ducks constantly throwing flags all night.

There are five plays that determine the outcome of a football game and Oregon v. LSU had some big ones.

Barner fumbles a punt LSU recovers for a touchdown.
Red zone goal line fade perfect execution by LSU picking on Oregon’s red shirt freshmen corner who was completely out of position.
True freshmen De’Anthony Thomas has to come in at tailback and fumbles
The very next touch De’Anthony Thomas fumbles during a kick return.
After getting possession back after Thomas’ fumble, Lee throws a play action pass to senior TE Deangelo Peterson putting the Tigers near the 10 gearing up for another score.

Five big plays all for LSU, the Oregon Ducks didn’t stand a chance against the Tigers. Don’t have any delusions about this game either Oregon did not lose this game LSU beat them. The Tigers played with intensity, passion, and purpose. LSU looked great Saturday night and are poised to stay in Louisiana and play for a BCS national championship.

This is a critical week for Oregon and I believe they will still be a front runner to win the Pac 12. This could be similar to the opening game from a few years ago on a Thursday night in front of the entire nation. The Ducks were owned by Boise State and embarrassed when Blount punched a Boise State player walking off of the field, but Oregon regrouped and turned that year into a success reaching as far as the Rose Bowl. Chip Kelly and the Oregon staff will get this ship turned around and soon enough will regain the nation’s attention to Oregon viewing them as a top tier team.