The Oregon Ducks were predictable vs Washington State and lack of experience for younger players was on full display.
Oregon Football is having growing pains. While the Ducks Defense is in good hands, the Offense was predictable in the loss to Washington State. Fans, it is possible that with injuries, there will be more frustration in the coming weeks. Last week Justin Herbert fractured his collarbone against Cal forcing Willie Taggart to start Freshman Braxton Burmeister against the Cougars.
While the result was not as bad as the last time a Freshman started against a Washington school, the Cougars held Oregon to their lowest point total since the Chip Kelly era and the infamous game at Boise State. Aside from Quarterback, the Ducks also played with youth at Wide Receiver and there were growing pains there as well. MIssed catches by Johnny Johnson and Malik Lovette. One pass was short and ended up as a WSU Interception.
Charles Nelson and Dillon Mitchell could have made a big difference last night, but both are out with injuries. Mitchell did not clear concussion protocol and Nelson is nursing a sprained ankle. It is actually refreshing to write something different for a change.
The Oregon Defense was feisty all night. Troy Dye played lights out and Jalen Jelks was a beast off the Line. This loss did not fall on the Defense, but the lack of execution of a young Offense. Those were close to the exact words of Head Coach Willie Taggart in his post game Press Conference.
Washington State made it a point to stop the Ducks Potent Rushing Attack. They were successful limiting Oregon to short yardage gains most of the night by stacking the box and giving Defensive looks to Burmeister that forced him into Freshman mistakes.
Moving forward, the road does not get any easier. We could be looking at an Oregon Football team losing three straight games with trips to Stanford and UCLA next. Lack of talent is one thing, and that is not the problem. Honing the talent at the College Level does not happen in a single game. Patience is needed.
Next: Burmeister Struggles To Find Rhythm In Loss
Willie Taggart already has this team where they were last season, with 4 wins. With all the injuries game experience takes time to perfect. The lesson continues on the Farm this Saturday. (8pm PT, Fox Sports 1)