Oregon Football Finds Strength On Both Sides Of The Ball In 2017

Willie Taggart brought swagger back to Oregon Football, but injuries and adversity were big takeaways to the season.

Oregon Football entered the 2017 season fractured with a lack of communication after a 4-8 season and the departure of Mark Helfrich. While many are upset about Head Coach Willie Taggart using Oregon as a stepping stone to Florida State, he provided leadership and the Ducks turnaround season to finish 7-6.

Taggart brought to Eugene an A-List of up and coming coaches that provided excitement right form the start of the season. Quarterback Justin Herbert showed up in Fall Camp stronger and more confident than he was last season. In the first month of the season the Oregon Offense was putting up the points and the Offensive Line was providing solid protection.

The Oregon Defense found early footing shifting back to the 4-3 scheme under Jim Leavitt. Jalen Jelks and Troy Dye found their game inside punishing opponents and playing to the finish. The Oregon Cornerbacks led by Arrion Springs found motivation and led the country in deflected passes. Unfortunately in football there is adversity that sometimes cannot be overcome.

More from Autzen Zoo

• Oregon football: Ducks and Coach Prime playing it cordial leading up to Saturday
• Oregon Basketball: Non-conference slate features Michigan coming to Eugene
• Oregon football: Ducks find complete game effort in win vs Hawaii
• Oregon Ducks must get run game going against Hawaii
• 8 Pac-12 teams represented in Associated Press Top 25 after Week 2

Justin Herbert went down with a broken collarbone against Cal unravelling a good chunk of the season. The Ducks entered 2017 with a depth problem at the Quarterback position after two QB’s departed the program. Enter Freshman Braxton Burmeister, who did an admirable job in place of Herbert.

Despite the growing pains, Burmeister showed off his speed and that he can be a dual threat in the future. The strength of Oregon Football throughout the season was the Run Game.

Royce Freeman became the all-time leader in several categories surpassing LaMichael James. Freeman was the Pac-12 Elder Statesman. He had seen three different coaching staff’s – and was almost there for a fourth. Freeman showed patience and poise on the field despite a few bumps and bruises and will now move to playing on Sundays.

Willie Taggart is a fixer. He fixed two programs before coming to Oregon Football. His track record as a Head Coach is not solid, but he knows how to put together a staff. He did that for Oregon. Our current Head Coach came to Eugene for Taggart. Don’t forget that. While fans are upset I believe that in coming years the now former Head Coach will be seen in a more positive light.

Next: Oregon Football Signs Two Assistant Coaches To Extensions

Oregon finished the 2017 season at 7-6 following a 4-8 season last year.