Spring Game preview: 5 things Duck fans want to see

First of all a huge shout-out is due to the Oregon program for having a true spring game with opposite sides, a chain gang, a scoreboard, a clock, and competition, not some watered-down skills challenge or skeleton drill.

Fans want a peek at a new team and a sense of how players are developing. To have Coach Lanning commit to the idea of competing and offering fans, players, recruits and their families the true, full Autzen experience is a breath of fresh air in this age of worrying about what opponents are doing and who might be scouting or tampering.

Lanning said when spring practice began:

"I think it's the best way for us to get better."

"We're absolutely going to have a spring game and play football in the spring game. We just mentioned new faces, I think that's a great opportunity. Autzen is one of those places where we have a spring game and it's a gameday environment. So creating that environment for those players and the competition that exists in that and our fans and what they bring to that. I think it's a huge piece.



"For me, it's the right way to cap off a spring and as long as I'm here, we'll be doing spring games."

It just fits with the Nike/Oregon philosophy of always being on offense. Attack and compete rather than worrying about what everyone else is doing or what others might be afraid of.

That said, here's the number one first to hope to see at the spring game: No injuries.

Obviously football is a collision sport and there will be dings and nicks, but you don't want to see anyone go down with a long-term injury. It's a risk of the game, something that can happen in drills, against air, or throwing a frisbee in the park, but a clean day of football is goal No. 1.

1B. Energy and Excitement

This is Oregon's premier recruiting showcase. A full stadium and two squads ready to compete make a powerful impression on a star-studded list of visitors.

2. Moore to Moore

The few hints out of spring practice are that both quarterbacks are developing very well and look good running the offense. It's even been said that Austin Novosad makes fewer mistakes.

But the passing combination of Dante Moore to Dakorien Moore is what fans want to see. There have been glimpses since January, in social media and practice video. The electric five-star receiver from Texas leaping for a pass from the five-star quarterback from Michigan.

Lanning told J.D. PicKell of "The Hard Count." "You just see the ability. When you're around special players, you recognize it when it shows up."

3. The World will be enough

The buzz has grown about new Oregon left tackle Isaiah World, a 6-8, 309 transfer from Nevada, long and athletic. World allowed zero sacks last season for the Wolfpack.

World's blend of size and agility is the cornerstone of Oregon's new offensive line, and it will be fascinating to see him matched up against Teitum Tuioti and Matayo Uiagalelei, two of the best pass rushers in the Big Ten.

Former Oregon tackle, NFL veteran and college football analyst Geoff Schwartz is convinced World can develop into a Top Ten draft pick.

4. The Zoom Room

Oregon is loaded at running back. Makhi Hughes, Noah Whittington, Dink Riggs, Jay Harris, Jordon Davison, Jayden Limar and Dierre Hil are fast, elusive and exciting in the open field. Top-to-bottom, it's the most talented group Oregon's had since LMJ, Kenyon and DAT.

While explosive runs will be hard to come by against the starting Oregon defense, it will be great to catch a glimpse of the power and explosiveness this group has, to witness Hughes' tackle-breaking prowess.

In two seasons of Division I football the Tulane transfer piled up 2,770 yards. PFF says 1,932 of those came after contact.

5. Monster Matchups

Watching Evan Stewart, Gary Bryant Jr., Moore, Malik Benson and Cooper Perry test Oregon's young secondary will be a treat. Seeing how Dillon Thieneman directs traffic back there paired with young safeties should tell fans a lot.

In the camp reports coaches have talked a lot about development, the progress Kingston Lopa, Trey McNutt, Sione Laulea have made in coverage. How does Jahlil Florence look after a year of rehab?

For the Ducks to be a legitimate playoff threat, effectiveness at receiver and cornerback have to be high. Watching who wins these blue-chip versus blue-chip matchups will be telling.

6. Trench Warfare

It's got to be spirited, physical and intense in the trenches. The offensive line is always at a disadvantage in the spring game because of split squads and the breakup of rotations-- a few third teamers and walk-ons are mixed in, inexperienced freshmen; neither squad will be at full strength.

It will still be compelling to see who stands out in the rotation at defensive tackle and whether Poncho Laloulu and his group move people off the ball. There's been a lot of talk this spring about how edge rusher Elijah Rushing has developed. Matayo Uiagalelei praised his work habits during his redshirt year.

Watching these groups get after each other, hearing the pads pop, that's when fans will know this is a real spring game. It's touching that Rich Brooks and Mike Bellotti will serve as guest coaches. Those two built this tradition and all the pride that goes into it.

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