Oregon Football: Another sluggish start doomed Ducks in Alamo Bowl

Dec 29, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Kris Hutson (14) returns a kick against the Oklahoma Sooners during the second half of the 2021 Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Kris Hutson (14) returns a kick against the Oklahoma Sooners during the second half of the 2021 Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oregon football struggled in the first half in a loss to Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl. Oregon ends the season at 10-4 after the 47-32 loss.

On both teams, there were opt-outs, which seems to be the new norm for 2021. Seemingly no players with experience at wide receiver for Oregon football played. Several players over the last week declared for the NFL draft, including Johnny Johnson III leaving Oregon with an inexperienced group at receiver for the game.

In the first half, the talent did not show through.

Anthony Brown finished the game a very respectable 27-for-40 throwing for 306 yards and a score. In the second quarter, Brown had a pass to Troy Franklin who needed to stretch just to his left to pull in the score. The ball fell to the ground and was incomplete. Oregon was not able to find an offensive rhythm until the second half.

Oregon outscored Oklahoma 29-17 in the final half, but it was the 24 points the Sooners had in the second quarter that won them the game. The Ducks were held scoreless before halftime.

For Oregon, the ground game was impressive for 60 minutes with Travis Dye running for 153 yards and a touchdown. Anthony Brown had nine carries for 21 yards. On the receiving end, Dye had five catches for 28 yards. Dont’e Thornton, Kris Hutson, and Troy Franklin all added touchdowns for the Ducks.

Seven McGee who announced he was entering the transfer portal, spoke to Dan Lanning and decided to stay with the Ducks was a non-factor. He had one catch for six yards. I expect McGee will have a big season next year for Oregon football. He is an athletic young player that has the ability to play multiple offensive positions.

I was happy to see a team on Oregon that while defeated, never gave up the fight for 60 minutes. With five minutes left there were within scratching distance and if they added one more score it would have been down to single digits. In the end to was a 47-32 Oklahoma victory.

Oregon Football now heads toward the offseason and Oregon fans will turn their eyes to New Year’s Day and the College Football Playoff game between Michigan and Georgia.

Next. 3 takeaways from Oregon's loss to Oklahoma. dark