Oregon football is a program that currently has an identity problem, which is not good to have entering the second half of the season. Inconsistencies on offense and defense are rearing their ugly head. The only area that has shown consistency has been the kicking game. There has not been much of a flaw from kicker Camden Lewis or punter Tom Snee.
Friday night games are supposed to be showcases. The game that highlights your program where your key players can step up on the national stage and in most cases are the only big sports event on. You are not competing with a college football Saturday.
Oregon saw a few players step up to the challenge including Kayvon Thibodeaux who was a beast in the second half. Travis Dye showed his power racking up 145 yards on 19 carries and catching seven passes through the air for 73 yards.
Despite the Oregon offense looking vanilla at times, Quarterback Anthony Brown did not have a terrible performance. He was 20-for-28 for 244 yards and a touchdown. It was not a performance worth the boos that reigned down at Autzen Stadium throughout the night.
Oregon will take the win, even though it was by just seven points at 24-17.
Injuries have reigned supreme for this Ducks team in 2021 and as they work to get healthy, they are also practicing through the pain. There were high expectations for this team, and while they still have everything to play for in front of them, the play-calling does not seem national championship-worthy, at this point at least.
Other teams have clearly set their identity. We know about Alabama, which rebounded this week. Georgia is a clear monster on defense. If the games go to plan, both of these teams will meet in December and one will lose.
If this lack of style points continues, the Ducks may be watching the playoff from home this winter.
This week is another road test versus a Chip Kelly-led UCLA team. Oregon meets the Bruins on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. PT on ESPN or ABC.