Injuries and standout performances vs. Portland State spawn 5 new questions for Oregon

The Oregon Ducks had a thrilling performance on Friday Night as the team set a new program high with 84 points in a blowout win over Portland State. The Ducks needed to show some fire in this game, and the team certainly responded to last week's loss well, rebounding in a big way. While the Ducks answered the bell with an 84-0 win, the game may have created even more questions for the coaching staff.

Before the game even started, Oregon suffered another injury, and the game created another potential injury. Between some of the injury concerns and standout performances, the staff may have some interesting decisions to make.

The 5 new questions coming out of Oregon vs. Portland State

Where was this creative play calling last week?

Drew Mehringer may not have felt comfortable running some of the plays Oregon was still working through, but on Friday Night, the offense looked much different. While the Ducks weren't being tested, Oregon drew up some exciting ways to get the ball to their playmakers. Moving forward, Mehringer should continue to dig deeper into the playbook, as some of the concepts brought a ton to be excited about.

How injured is Jeremiah McClellan?

Jeremiah McClellan was on the field during pregame warmups, but when the game arrived, he was notably absent. It turned out that McClellan was inactive when he came out with a boot on his foot, walking on crutches. Oregon didn't need Jeremiah McClellan in this game, but with Big Ten play kicking off next weekend, the Ducks are going to need every weapon available.

How serious is Kendre Harrison's injury with Jamari Johnson out?

For the past two weeks, Oregon has been without projected first round pick Jamari Johnson as he deals with an injury. On Friday, Kendre Harrison flashed the talent that made him a 5-star recruit, but he also left the game for the locker room at the start of the 4th quarter with an injury. If Harrison can't play next weekend, it could be a massive concern, especially if Jamari Johnson can't return.

Is Brandon Finney Jr the answer at STAR?

Carl Williams IV was out on Friday with an injury, leading Oregon to kick Brandon Finney Jr. inside to play the STAR/Nickel role. The results were incredibly promising, as Finney was solid on the inside while Na'eem Offord and Ify Obidegwu continue to look the part on the outside. If Finney can excel in the role like we've seen with Devon Witherspoon in the NFL, it could be a major boost to this secondary.

Is Jett Washington too special to keep on the bench?

The only time Jett Washington looked like a true freshman was when he missed his first tackle attempt of the game. On back-to-back drives in the 3rd quarter, Jett Washington picked off Portland State with incredible diving catches. While Oregon's secondary is loaded with talent, Jett Washington may be the rare level of talent that you simply have to continue developing with game experience.

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