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Oregon Football: Ducks Defense Steps Up Again vs Nevada

By Justin Phillips

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jevon Holland #8 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates with teammates after he intercepted a pass against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of the Redbox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jevon Holland #8 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates with teammates after he intercepted a pass against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of the Redbox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Oregon Football has finally found strength in their Defense, an area that was lacking before Defensive Coordinator Andy Avalos.

In two games, the Oregon Defense has showed strength in key areas, including in the secondary where Thomas Graham Jr and Deommodore Lenoir have shown they have the ability. Between them on Saturday, the Ducks starting corners had five tackles and a pass breakup. They played a key role in stopping the Nevada Wolf Pack Offense.

Nevada had 83 yards on the ground averaging just over 2 yards per carry. The Ducks had 15 tackles for loss for 55 negative yards for the Wolf Pack. They were able to get to five sacks and hurried Quarterback Carson Strong. He was 13 for 25 for just 89 yards. He also threw two interceptions on the evening in a game that was won in all phases by the Oregon Ducks.

In Week 1 vs Auburn, Troy Dye had a team-high 15 tackles. Against Nevada, DJ Johnson was all over the field, mostly in the second half. He finished with 7 total tackles, 3 for a loss to go with a sack and a forced fumble. Brady Breeze finished the game with two tackles to go with a touchdown. He was among 11 different players to score in the 77-6 win over the Wolf Pack.

With the Defense holding up their end, it also allowed several Oregon Offensive players to see the field. Quarterback Tyler Shough finished 8 for 9. Following his touchdown vs Auburn, Darrian Felix scored his second touchdown of the season in the final minutes against Nevada. Freshman Sean Dollars also saw the field for the first time this year and was able to help the Ducks move the chains on a possession.

"The players have taken ownership in it. If you watch the way that they walkthrough, the way that they practice it’s very indicative of the progress that they are making in their buy-in and belief in the scheme. It paid off tonight we still think we can get a lot better.Mario Cristobal on Andy Avalos and the Defensive Philosophy"

Oregon Football finished the game 5 for 12 on third down and 4 for 5 on fourth down.

The Ducks host Montana on Saturday at Autzen Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:45 pm Pacific Time. The game will be televised by Pac-12 Network.

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