Oregon held Iowa to one run of over ten yards, displaying a defensive intensity that could carry them all the way into the playoffs.
It's a new challenge this week as they host 6-3 Minnesota on a six-day turnaround, one that tests recovery timetables for a banged-up roster. Dan Lanning was deliberately and understandably vague when asked about it Monday.
"Tight week, quick turnaround for us, but everything's going really well so far this week," Lanning said on Monday. "Today was really like a Tuesday in our mind, even though it's Monday, kind of having to push things ahead and excited to get the opportunity to play a good team."
The reporters asked him about the rash of injured players, Kenyon Sadiq, Dakorien Moore, linebacker Devon Jackson and tackle Alex Harkey all missing the Hawkeye game, and Gary Bryant Jr. going out in the second quarter with an apparent ankle injury.
Lanning declined to give an update on Monday-- the Big Ten doesn't require one until two hours before gametime. All he would say was, "If they're ready, they'll play," hinting that the Ducks might get creative in the passing game with only four scholarship wide receivers available, unless Moore and Evan Stewart make their way back this week.
Chances are most of the players on the recovery list will take another week of rehab with No. 17 USC scheduled to visit on November 22.
The Ducks still have a lot of options, more than Minnesota, more than most teams. Tight end Jamari Johnson, receivers Malik Benson and Jeremiah McClellan all made big plays in the cold and pouring rain in Iowa City.
For the Gophers visit they could employ Dierre Hill or Dink Riggs in the passing game. Both spent some time out wide as preps, and Hill's speed in open space is an exciting prospect. He scored a touchdown on a tunnel screen in the Penn State game.
Noah Whittington has some of the best hands Duck fans have seen as a running back, diving low against Iowa to secure a catch, fighting off a Wisconsin defender in the left corner of the end zone for TD last season.
Weather doesn't look to be an issue, The latest updated forecasts from AccuWeather and the National Weather Service show winds of 7 mph and no rain in the evening forecast, a high of 49: Crisp night game football weather, perfect for explosive plays and airing it out.
The Oregon defense should be able to stifle a pedestrian Gopher offense, and the Minnesota defense has surrendered 28 plays of 20 yards or more.
Prediction: Oregon 38, Minnesota 7.