This isn't about pointing fingers or trashing coaches. But the record shows the Oregon defense has to make some fundamental improvements to reach 10 wins or make the playoffs. The standard has to rise, right now.
In the win at Penn State Tosh Lupoi's defense gave up 14 points in the fourth quarter, a four-play, 75-yard drive and a 15-play, 62-yard drive that sent the game into overtime. They couldn't protect a 17-3 lead with 12:25 to play.
In the loss to Indiana cornerback Brandon Finney made a superb individual play to step in front of pass and return it for a 35-yard touchdown with 12:42 to play in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 20-20.
The Ducks hadn't played well in any phase, and they still had a chance to win the game. Instead, Indiana went on a 12-play, 75-yard drive to take back the lead 27-20. A Hoosier interception led to a field goal and another one sealed the game, 30-20.
In the fourth quarter Indiana's defense ramped up the pressure and slammed the door on the Ducks, while the Oregon defense folded. It was a team loss and everyone bears responsibility, but that's the defense's accountability.
Bear Alexander spoke to the media after practice Tuesday. The transfer defensive tackle has been a bright spot this season and he's steadily elevated his play along with A'Mauri Washington inside.
"This one definitely lit a fire up under our coaches, I’m sure the players too. We back to work, it’s a work week. We got to grow from it, learn from it, continue to get better as the season goes on," Alexander said.
That's the right mindset, but the proof of a team's readiness and growth is what they do in the fourth quarter.
Ohio State made the playoffs last season with two losses and won the national championship, but that team harnessed their talent. They played with anger and purpose all through the playoffs.
So far this season the Ducks rank 15th in the Big Ten in sacks with 10. They're not disruptive enough. They're not creating pressure. They rank 14th in tackles for loss with 26.
They did a decent job against a potent Indiana offense, holding them to 326 yards and 3.0 yards a carry, but couldn't get off the field on three long touchdown drives. The Hoosiers were 3-4 on fourth down.
Over the first three seasons of building the program, the Ducks had some deficiencies on defense. There was a lack of size and speed in the secondary, for example. Four years in, the Ducks have 57 four- and five-star players. It's time they started to play that way defensively.
The team desperately needs to identify a cover corner opposite Finney. They need more pressure. The linebackers must make more plays. As a group, they've got to let it rip.
Making the playoffs and advancing depends on it.
The schedule sets up perfectly for finding the fire Alexander talks about. Against Rutgers and Wisconsin they have two winnable games where they should be able to assert their will, ramp up pressure and put away a couple of undermanned opponents.
In November, things get real as they always do. They face a couple of potent offenses in USC and Washington to end the regular season.