Things we saw, and didn't see, in Oregon's win over Montana State

It was about as smashing and decisive as a season opener can be, but Oregon still has some weapons to roll out and tactics to unveil after dismantling Montana State 59-13 in Autzen Stadium Saturday.

There was lots to like about the total victory, but also a few things to take note of.

Tight ends in the offense

A freakish talent at 6-3, 250 with 23 mph speed and a 41-inch vertical jump, Kenyon Sadiq made a terrific play on a screen pass from Dante Moore, shedding the defender and cruising into the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown.

Yet Sadiq was targeted just two more times. On one Moore threw high and hard to the four-star tight end from Idaho Falls, Idaho and he was unable to come down with the ball on what could have been another touchdown. He carried the ball once on an end-around for three yards, making the highlight film with another spectacular hurdle.

The Ducks used a variety of formations and personnel packages in the game, but No. 2 and No. 3 tight ends Jamari Johnson and Roger Saleapaga didn't get a pass thrown to them. In future weeks, Will Stein will have to work them into the offense while giving Sadiq a bigger role.

Makhi Hughes on a milk carton

The 5-11, 210 running back from Tulane was a tackle-breaking machine in the American Conference, shredding defenses for 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns over two seasons. In Oregon's opener the Ducks chose to feature the rest of a very deep stable at running back, limiting Hughes to two touches, one run and one short pass.

He wasn't needed much on a day 12 Ducks carried the ball 38 times for 253 yards, but fans have to wonder what his role will be going forward, and how he might react to a workload that's drastically less than expected.

Ludicrous speed, ridiculous depth

Oregon relied on their depth in the opening game, making a conscious effort to feature it.

"I've said it a bunch, but strength in numbers has got to be a weapon for us," Dan Lanning said. "Throughout the season, you never know who might go down and who might be up."

"Because of that, we want to make sure we get great experience for players who are playing above the line football. We've said it, that if you're good enough, you're old enough, and if you're good enough, you'll get an opportunity to play. We have a lot of guys who are good enough right now."

It's something to watch going into next week's Game Two against Oklahoma State. Are Dan Lanning and the staff making a deliberate effort to spread the load around, planning ahead for a longer-than-ever season that could extend to 16 games, treating the nonconference schedule like NFL teams approach the preseason? Or have youngsters like Dierre Hill and Jordon Davison just climbed that quickly up the depth chart?

The depth and unselfishness on the roster is uncommon and a thing of beauty. Lanning's instilled a commitment to the team and the team's success that is rare in big-time sports. Ten different players caught passes, and Moore's three TD passes each went to a different guy.

“Just shows our selflessness,” Malik Benson said, “When one guy makes a play, everybody’s just as happy as if they made it. That’s the kind of receiver room we have.”

Benson led all receivers with five catches for 51 yards, holding on to every ball thrown to him, every one of those in traffic.

The Ducks were explosive, with six scrimmage plays over 20-plus yards, but all of their eight touchdowns came inside the Red Zone. The longest score was Sadiq's screen pass, 20 yards.