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Oregon Football: 3 hot takes from tight opening win vs. Fresno State

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 4, 2021; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Anthony Brown (13) scores a touchdown during the second half against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Autzen Stadium. The Ducks won the game 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Anthony Brown (13) scores a touchdown during the second half against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Autzen Stadium. The Ducks won the game 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 4, 2021; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks running back CJ Verdell (7) picks up a first down as he is tackled by Fresno State Bulldogs defensive back Evan Williams (32) during the second half at Autzen Stadium. The Ducks won the game 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks running back CJ Verdell (7) picks up a first down as he is tackled by Fresno State Bulldogs defensive back Evan Williams (32) during the second half at Autzen Stadium. The Ducks won the game 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Oregon got caught taking Fresno State lightly

Let’s not even tip-toe around my final hot take which honestly may not be all that controversial compared to the other two: Oregon took Fresno State lightly and nearly got burned for it.

The Ducks finished the game with a seven-point win which was surprising if you turned it off after the first quarter. Oregon was up 14-0 in the blink of an eye and extended that lead to 21-6 before injuries bit the Ducks and Kayvon Thibodeaux left the game and returned to the sidelines in a walking boot — which was an alarming sight.

Fresno State bullied its way back to take a 24-21 lead and it took 10 straight fourth-quarter points by Oregon to secure a big victory over the Bulldogs.

Oregon could end up being one of the best teams in the country, but the mindset needs to be “one game at a time” or things happen like what we saw in the opener against Fresno State. The same happened to Washington against Montana with Michigan awaiting the Huskies in Week 2. They took that team lightly.

Coaches and players won’t admit it, but the Ducks definitely overlooked the Bulldogs in the opener and expected an easy win and that nearly ruined their season.

Next. 3 reasons Oregon will make the playoff in 2021. dark

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