Sunday Takeaway: Oregon Ducks Building Momentum At The Right Time
Oregon Fans have a reason to be optimistic with the Offensive and Defensive pieces coming together for the 2016 Oregon Football team.
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The Offense on Saturday night looked more comfortable. The team has shown in practice that they can gel. The biggest area of concern was the Offensive Line, where there are now fewer questions.
Oregon Ducks Quarterback Dakota Prukop looked more comfortable and one thing I liked is he went deep on more than several occasions for big plays. Royce Freeman showed why he is a Heisman Candidate and questions about this team were answered with a big exhale from the Oregon Fans.
Anytime you come away with a win, it’s a good thing, but the win on Saturday albeit not a statement victory showed that this Oregon team may be closer than a lot thought after what they lost in 2015. This team is 2-0 on the season. Explosion plays are a big reason why.
TIght End Pharoah Brown scored his first touchdown since 2014 and Olympian and Wide Receiver Devon Allen showcased his World Class Speed. He even ‘hurdled’ in the endzone as a celebration in the third quarter. Royce Freeman found his footing for over 200 yards on the ground to go with two touchdowns. The Oregon Defense appeared to find an identity too.
The new 4-3 Defense installed by Brady Hoke wreaked havoc up front to the tune of six sacks on the night to go along with two interceptions and seven tackles for loss. Jalen Jelks what the star of the game on Defense with six tackles, all solo and two sacks on the night.
UC Davis and Virginia were by no means the stiffest competition for the Oregon Ducks to start the season, but it was a good tuneup for what is to come. The competition jumps a level this week when Oregon travels to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Autzen Zoo will have Post Practice reports throughout the week as the team takes on Mike Riley and the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday. Riley was the Head Coach for Oregon State more recently from 2003-2014, facing Oregon every season. OSU won three games in that span against Oregon. The Ducks have won the last eight games.
A new team and new city could mean big momentum for Riley and the Cornhuskers. Kickoff is set for 12:30pm Pacific Time on ABC.