Oregon Football: 3 takeaways from tough Alamo Bowl loss to Oklahoma

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Dec 29, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Kennedy Brooks (26) runs the ball during the first half against the Oregon Ducks in the 2021 Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The absences on defense were definitely felt

Coming into the game, Oregon knew it would be down a handful of players on both sides of the ball, including a couple of All-American caliber defenders in Kayvon Thibodeaux and Mykael Wright who opted out in order to prepare for the NFL draft.

The Ducks also had other injuries at key positions such as linebacker and the defensive backfield and when Noah Sewell left with an injury in the second half, there was only one scholarship linebacker dressed and ready to go in converted safety Jeffrey Bassa.

It was a disaster and the absences were definitely felt.

Defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter said before the game that his guys were prepared and ready to battle despite the absences, but it was clear that they were too much to overcome against this loaded Oklahoma offense led by future Heisman contender Caleb Williams.

Oregon clamped down eventually, allowing just 17 points in the second half, but it was pretty clear that the defenders who did dress were drained by the second half.

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