The Oregon Ducks head into the locker room trailing Oklahoma State 24-17, but the score doesn't come close to telling the full story. The Ducks have been dominated in every facet of the game except for tipped passes by the defensive line which have led to Oregon's two touchdowns in the first half.
This team has given the fans more reasons to be concerned than excited through 6 quarters of football, and something has to give. At the half, Oregon only trails by 7, but the issues are hard to ignore.
The 4 issues plaguing Oregon vs Oklahoma State
Another empty 1st quarter for the offense
If the goal this weekend was starting fast, the Oregon offense certainly didn't get the memo as they failed to score in the 1st quarter. Dante Moore started the game going just 1-for-6 for 9 yards to Andrew Olesh, but the biggest issue was Dante and Dakorien Moore not connecting on a wide-open 4th-down play that should've been a touchdown. The offense posted solid rushing stats in the first quarter, picking up 5 yards per carry, but it did not matter.
Through two games, Oregon's offense has yet to score a point in the first quarter, and when you start games slow you allow teams to pick up momentum and start to believe they can upset you. New offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer has to find a way to start games better otherwise, Dan Lanning may be looking for a replacement by the end of the year.
The highly talented defense has been a problem
This game could've easily started with Oklahoma State leading 21-0 if not for a pair of incredible plays by Devon Jackson. The Oklahoma State offense dominated the Ducks' defense to start the game, racking up 353 yards in the first half. Coming into the year, many analysts declared this would be one of the best defenses in the Country, but the unit has yet to show that level of talent.
Jamari Johnson's absence
When the Ducks' offense was struggling last weekend, Jamari Johnson was a calming force for Dante Moore and the rest of the unit, scoring a touchdown before the half to cut the deficit. There was no news of an injury to Jamari Johnson leading up to the game, but right before kickoff, ESPN's Taylor McGregor reported that he'd be out with an undisclosed injury, which has to be a major concern until Dan Lanning speaks to the media.
A clear lack of focus
Everyone knows this Oregon team has elite talent, but the focus clearly hasn't been there to start this season. The team once again hurt themselves with penalties, as an offside and pass interference on 4th down granted the Cowboys a 1st down, while an illegal shift by the offense kept the Ducks from converting on 4th down.
Dante Moore had Dakorien Moore wide open on 4th down, but a bad ball that Dakorien Moore still could've caught instead turned a potential touchdown into a turnover on downs. Oklahoma State put Oregon's offense back on the field after the illegal shift penalty, and only rushed 3 yet, the Cowboys still sacked Moore.
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