Pac-12 Championship: Oregon Football Defense Secures Back To Back Titles
Kayvon Thibodeux was a force all night vs the USC Trojans helping Oregon Football to a 31-24 win in the Pac-12 Championship Game Friday Night.
Oregon Football Defensive Coordinator Andy Avalos spoke earlier this week saying this was the best week of preparation his team had all season. It showed from the start against the USC Trojans on Friday night.
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USC Quarterback Kedon Slovis did not have a good night. It started with an interception by Deommodore Lenoir on the Trojans third play of the game. The Oregon Defense, which played together for the first time as a healthy unit, showed that they were capable of early and often. Kayvon Thibodeaux was disruptive all night and had several key plays including a batted pass. He also was able to get to Slovis for a sack.
Tyler Shough was effective, but struggled at times. However, the Ducks found a place for Quarterback Anthony Brown vs the Trojans. He was in the game for a handful of plays in the firs three quarters and showed poise and his experience. Brown finished the game 3 for 4 with two touchdowns to his credit. The first to Jaylon Redd on the Ducks opening drive to make it 7-0. Two possessions later it was 14-0 as Shough found Hunter Kampmoyer in the endzone for a 14 point lead.
It was clear from the start that Oregon Football was ready to play this game after having two weeks off that included a missed game vs Washington last week. The Huskies were not able to face the Ducks following COVID-19 protocols within the program and the entire offensive line being affected. On Friday, Washington also said they will not play in a bowl game this season due to the pandemic. Their odd 2020 season is over, along with Colorado, Cal, and Arizona.
One key area where Oregon was most impressive was on Special Teams. The Ducks were in a position in the first half to have good field position. For their first three drives, they average starting inside the USC 40 yard line. Punter Tom Snee punted 5 times for 214 yards and was run into once by a USC Defender giving Oregon a first down for interference.
The game was not friendly by any means. It was chippy at times with several personal fouls called on both sides, but in the end, cooler heads prevailed on the Oregon sideline. It was also a game where Travis Dye was the featured Running Back. CJ Verdell was not available for the Pac-12 Championship. No reason as to why was provided. Dye finished with 11 rushes for 55 yards and caught the ball out of the backfield 3 times for 17 yards and a touchdown.
The win secured the Pac-12 spot in the Fiesta Bowl for 2020. The Rose Bowl, the usual destination, is part of the College Football Playoff rotation this year. As far as opponents they may face on January 2nd, there are a few. The remainder of Saturday will have to play out first. Regardless of the opponent, the game will be a springboard for the 2021 season.