Oregon Football vs Arizona: Ducks Must Limit Khalil Tate, Set Offensive Tempo
The Oregon Ducks need to limit Khalil Tate and play Extended Drive Offensive Football Saturday.
Oregon Football returns home for the final two home games starting with the Arizona Wildcats. The Ducks are hopeful for Quarterback Justin Herbert to return to the lineup after fracturing his collarbone against Cal. If Herbert plays, Willie Taggart and the Ducks may have an opportunity to keep it close and pull off the upset over the Wildcats.
Oregon Cannot Turnover the Ball
While Quarterback Braxton Burmeister got one hell of a learning experience over the last six weeks, turnovers plagued the Ducks in every game. Against Washington, the Ducks had an early opportunity for a 10 point lead, but a fumble by Kani Benoit took all the momentum away for the remainder of the game. If Oregon can keep possession and the Ducks Defense can force a turnover or two, it could be the momentum shift against Khalil Tate and Arizona that Oregon needs to get the job done.
The Oregon Defense is ranked roughly as a mid-tiered unit under Jim Leavitt. In his first season, the Defense has shown they can step up in big games and in key moments to take the opportunity away from opposing Offenses.
Oregon Offense Needs To Play Slow and Methodical
Contrary to what we are used to seeing with the Oregon Offense. a big key Saturday is to play keep away. If you keep the ball out of the hands of Khalil Tate, he can’t hurt you. Against Washington, the Ducks first drive of the game was over 7 minutes. Long, extended drives will be key including a mix of running and passing. If Herbert returns to the lineup, expect the playbook to open up for a lot of options. The Arizona Defense is worse than the Oregon Defense entering this week, according to the College Football Matrix.
A Special Teams Play Could Give Oregon The Advantage
With the Oregon Offense struggling over the last month, the Special Teams unit has shown some upside. Adam Stack has proven he can kick the ball doing his best to keep field position for the Ducks. Charles Nelson returns this week completely healthy from an ankle injury that seems to have hampered him over the last month and a half.
If Nelson is the return man on Saturday, he could swing momentum in a big way with big return or a touchdown. This may also be the game where you see Oregon Football go for the two-point conversion knowing that Tate will get his chances and the Ducks may need all the points they can get to stay in the game.
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Autzen Zoo will have Live Coverage starting at 3 pm Pacific time. Kickoff is set for 4:15 pm PT on Pac-12 Network.