Ducks climb to No. 2 in AP Poll, and fans starting to say, 'This team is different'

Oregon jumped four spots to No. 2 in the AP Poll Sunday, receiving 16 first-place votes, behind only new conference rival Ohio State, ahead of Mario Cristobal and Miami and SEC unbeatens Ole Miss, Oklahoma and Texas A&M.

It's a place where the Ducks have been for much of the last 25 years, but this team feels different. They are tougher and more resilient. They ooze talent and speed. The defensive line can push people around and stuff them.

In the first half at Penn State in one of college football's most hostile environments, the defending Big Ten Champions held the Nittany Lions to 69 total yards, including 24 yards on 13 rushing attempts and 6-12 passing for 45 yards.

For the game, podcast host and film analyst Landon Tengwall noted that Drew Allar only passed 25 times, but in those attempts, Oregon generated 18 pressures. Tengwall said, "Tip of the cap to Oregon, PSU's passing attack didn't stand a chance."

That's a different level of Oregon defense. It was the best defensive performance in a big game in Duck history, the best scheme and execution of the Tosh Lupoi era as defensive coordinator.

The biggest reason is, this version of Gang Green has dudes up front. Matayo Uiagalelei, Bear Alexander, A'Mauri Washington and Teitum Tuioti are playmakers and the defensive front behind them can came come at opponents in waves.

Alexander dominated a strong PSU interior, All-America candidates Vega Ione and Nick Dawkins. Penn State found some running room in the second half, but as Scott Reed of Duck Sports Central noted this team finished, with Dillon Thieneman coming up with the big play in overtime.

The timing of the bye couldn't be more perfect, as the team comes out of a physical road game with some dings and nicks. They have a chance to continue their progression with a home game at Autzen on October 11 against No. 8 Indiana.

Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza is second in the country in passing efficiency with 16 touchdowns and one interception. After a tough win at Iowa 5-0 IU is No. 6 in scoring offense at 47.8 points per game.

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