Throw out James Madison. Against the Dukes Oregon played bend but don't break defense, built a big lead and emptied the bench, a box score sullied by misleading numbers in a game they led 48-13 in the third quarter. They played with their food a bit.
All through the rest of the year, Tosh Lupoi and the Oregon defense succeeded impressively in achieving the goal every coach sets for his defense: Take something away from the opponent.
Even after a clumsy finish against the Dukes, they rank No. 5 in the country in defensive efficiency, allowing 4.36 yards per play on the season. They have to tighten up the missed tackles and spongy edges they suffered against JMU, however.
Throughout the season, the Ducks have made opponents one-dimensional
What was impressive during their 11-1 regular season was the consistency they displayed in shutting down one weapon for the opponent:
Montana State W 59-13 46 yards rushing
Oklahoma State W 69-3 67 yards passing
@ Northwestern W 34-14 135 yards passing
Oregon State W 41-7 67 rushing, 80 passing
@ Penn State W 30-24 137 yards passing
Indiana Turf L 20-30 111 rushing, 215 passing (both below their season numbers)
@ Rutgers W 56-10 79 yards passing
Wisconsin W 21-7 86 yards passing
@ Iowa W 18-1 6 138 yards passing
Minnesota W 42-13 62 yards rushing
USC W 42-27 52 yards rushing
@ Washington W 26-14 129 yards passing
Bryce Boettcher, Dillon Thieneman, A'Mauri Washington and the rest of the Oregon defense succeeded throughout the year in making opponents one-dimensional, which is the goal of good defenses. They weren't perfect, but they were resourceful, establishing control early and limiting what the opponent wanted to do.
Asked to describe the Tech offense, Tosh Lupoi said, "Multiple and explosive. They've got some great players. The duo in the backfield that's a dangerous group. There's a reason they're where they're at statistically from an offensive standpoint. They do a great job. They hurt you with tempo. They hurt you with versatility, running the ball and then they have the element of going deep on you as well."
This being the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff, it's easily the toughest challenge of the season. Yet the fundamental objective is something the Ducks have met all year.
Where Oregon has lagged as a defense is in the Red Zone. They've allowed opponents to score an appalling 90 percent of the time once they reach the 20, and 70 percent of the time they've given up touchdowns. They rank 123rd in the country in opponent's Red Zone conversions. They have to be tougher in Miami, particularly against a TTU attack that settles for field goals 32 percent of the time.