Oregon Football: Throw The Statistics Out The Window On Saturday Night vs Stanford
Oregon Football is on the right track at the right time with the challenge of the Stanford Cardinal on Saturday.
After three games, it is clear that the Oregon Defense under Jim Leavitt is performing better than last season. Several names are being mentioned and having big impacts early in the year including Ugo Amadi who is using his experience from multiple positions to his advantage on the field. Not only has he made plays, but also found a role on Special teams as a potential threat in the return game. Amadi had three punt returns for 100 total yards, one being a 57 yard return.
Justin Hollins is making a name for himself as well. The Outside Linebacker has a sack, several tackles for loss and an interception against San Jose State. He also played well the previous week against Portland State. Of course, the competition to this point has not been what Oregon Football should be used to right now, but that was the schedule they were dealt. This week, everything changes.
If you look at the Statistics, both Oregon Football and Stanford are very similar – at least in the rankings. Stanford is giving up 301 yards per game. Oregon is right behind at 303 yards per game. While the Cardinal has Bryce Love, Oregon has shown they can get it done with a Committee of Running Backs that starts with Tony Brooks-James. Oregon has experience at the position, it is the deepest position on their roster and they can cater each drive to a specific player – something I have not seen Oregon do in the past.
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While Oregon Quarterback Justin Herbert did not have his best game against San Jose State he has shown he is capable of performing at a high level week after week. Herbert has thrown 12 touchdowns and ranks just ahead of Stanford QB K.J. Costello by five touchdowns and a handful of passing yards.
Oregon Football may also have a secret weapon at Wide Receiver. Freshman Jaylon Redd did not have as much of an impact vs San Jose State has he did in the Ducks first two games, but if he can get a tiny bit of space against the Stanford Defense, Oregon has a Quarterback that can hit a space the size of a breadbox with a pass and that alone should have Oregon fans excited for this game.
The Oregon Defense has also held opponents to just 1.96 yards per rush this season, but again the competition has a lot to say about that. Can Oregon Step up against the Stanford Cardinal under the lights in Primetime on Saturday? We’re about to find out.
Autzen Zoo will have Live Coverage from Autzen Stadium Saturday starting at 3:30 pm Pacific Time. Oregon Football hosts the Stanford Cardinal Saturday night at 5 pm Pacific Time on ABC.