Oregon Football: Despite Defensive Effort, Offensive Miscues Cost Ducks

TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 23: Wide receiver N'Keal Harry
TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 23: Wide receiver N'Keal Harry /
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Oregon Football(3-1, 0-1 Pac-12) cost themselves the game over close to 100 yards in penalties and terrible efficiency on third down.

Oregon was held to under 40 points for the first time this season and Running Back Royce Freeman was held to under 100 yards for the first time in 2017. Arizona State was ready to play on Offense. Manny Wilkins completed passes to the tune of 489 yards of Offense averaging over 11 yards per play. It took nearly a half for the Oregon Defense to make adjustments and the Offense for the Ducks did not help.

Oregon was tagged for 14 penalties for 99 yards. The Ducks did manage to get their first lead of the game, but a costly fumble near midfield gave the momentum back to Arizona State. Of course, there was a play by the Defense on a converted 3rd and 27 that led to ASU points.

Fans need to remember that this team is a work in progress. The Defense has a new coordinator. Arizona State fans need to remember Jalen Jelks who came to play with 8 tackles, 7 of them solo and three sacks at key points in the game. The Oregon Defense also came through with 13 tackles for loss that amounted to 46 yards. They gave up a lot throughout the game, but kept Oregon in the game.

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The letdown was the Oregon Football Offense. The team was penalized for 99 total yards, the most in a game so far this season. The Ducks were 1 for 11 on Third Down and 0 for 2 on 4th Down including the final drive of the game. Justin Herbert kept the ball and came up a yard short with under a minute left to seal the loss.

The Oregon Offensive Line had problems with communication all night. Homefield advantage is key in the Pac-12 and the ASU fans were loud and disruptive. After a 3-0 start, Oregon stumbled on their own feet on Offense. Adjustments will be made and they will learn from this. The team is already looking better than last season’s 4-8 squad. They are communicating on the field and the effort is clear.

Next: Wilkins, Arizona State Earn Win vs Oregon

Oregon Football returns home to take on the California Golden Bears on Saturday(7:30pm PT, Fox Sports 1)