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Grading the Ducks after dominating 59-13 win over Montana State

ByDale Bliss|
Dakorien Moore earned a 90.1 run blocking grade from PFF. In his first college game he had five touches for 43 yards.
Dakorien Moore earned a 90.1 run blocking grade from PFF. In his first college game he had five touches for 43 yards. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Before the game there were three key questions:

1. Can the Ducks run the football and stop the run?

2. Will Dante Moore and receivers show chemistry in the passing game?

3. Is the new secondary really improved?

First games aren't terribly predictive. Scott Reed noted Monday at Duck Sports Central, "
The Bobcats were smaller, less athletic, and simply overmatched in the trenches — and while Oregon looked sharper and deeper than a season ago, this game won’t tell us everything about who the Ducks are."

Still, it was encouraging to witness the sharp contrast between this year's efficient opener and the alarming issues exposed in last year's win over Idaho in Game One, even if the Ducks followed that with 12 straight wins.

Grading the performance on Saturday, it's appropriate to start with those three key questions.

1. Running the football and stopping the run: A+

Oregon used 12 different ball carriers, gained 253 yards on the ground and averaged 6.5 yards a carry. On first down they ran 22 times for 198 yards, 9.0 yards a carry. Even with the difference in size and talent up front, that's about as efficient as a running game can be.

Defensively, the Ducks held the Bobcats to 46 yards on 27 carries, 1.7 yards a carry. Last season MSU rushed for 295 yards a game, No. 2 in the FCS. Tosh Lupoi's defense took a run-first operation and dismantled it, exploiting their advantage in size and strength.

The defense held the Bobcats, to 3-12 on third down, 2-5 on third and short. They also stuffed a fourth down try.

2. Chemistry and connection in the passing game: A

Will Stein had a great design for Dante Moore in the opener, one that gave him high-percentage throws and open targets. He operated from a clean pocket and didn't have to throw into the teeth of the defense while keeping the deep passing game under wraps.

Gary Bryant Jr. and Malik Benson, the two veteran receivers, each achieved a 100% catch rate.

Moore said,
"This unit that we have as receivers and tight ends, the skill that we have is unbelievable. I mean, as a quarterback, it feels great when you know other people catch the ball, and when you use it as a unit, you just feel more connected."

It's clear he felt confidence in his receivers and the passing attack proved productive and efficient. Going 9-9 in scoring drives is phenomenal for an opener, regardless of the opponent. That's you-versus-you excellence.

Improvement in the new secondary: B

There was plenty to like in the coverage, tackling and limiting big plays, though it's tempting to give the secondary an "Incomplete" in this category-- they'll be tested in the coming weeks by bigger, faster receivers and more potent passing games.

While the Ducks did struggle defending the crossing routes, giving up 12 catches for 107 yards to speedy slot receiver Taco Dowler, the ball skills and coverage skills were solid. There weren't any of the coverage busts or communication errors normally associated with an opener and a young secondary.

Oregon gave up two plays of 24 yards, both passes, while playing 41 players on defense, a staggering number, even against a Big Sky opponent. Montana State didn't score a touchdown until the last two minutes of the game, didn't make a first down until the Ducks led 31-0.

Stars of the Game

The Offensive line was cohesive and efficient, a terrific beginning for a new group. Alex Harkey earned an 87.2 blocking grade from PFF, Isaiah World posted an 87.6 pass-blocking grade.

A'Mauri Washington and Matayo Uiagalelei stood out on the defensive line. Inside penetration by Washington blew up the Bobcat running game, while Uiagalelei shook free for two sacks and a batted pass.

New free safety Dillon Thieneman posted an 82.3 tackling grade.

Special teams: A+

Oregon didn't punt once in the opener, so the results of the Fall Camp competition between Aussie James Ferguson-Reynolds and Ross James remain a mystery.

There was no mystery in other phases, however, as placekickers Atticus "Automaticus" Sappington and Gage Hurych were flawless, Jeremiah McClellan blocked two punts, and Dierre Hill broke a 28-yard kick return.

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