Oregon

Getting To Know The Enemy: 5Qs About The Oregon Ducks

Published

1 month ago

October 2, 2024

Getting To Know The Enemy: 5Qs About The Oregon Ducks

What up Spartans! It’s a short week for the football team so we will be accelerating our coverage for you. On Friday, the Green & White travels to Eugene, Oregon, to take on Big Ten newcomer, the Oregon Ducks. Obviously, this is the first time these two squads face off as conference foes, but there is history between the two programs. The Spartans and Ducks have met on the gridiron seven times previously, including three times in the past decade, most recently in an offense-starved Redbox Bowl on the last day of 2018 (Oregon won 7-6). To help us take a closer look at the current version of the Ducks, the man known simply as Badwater from Addicted To Quack joined me to answer a few questions. Let’s see what he had to say.

TOC: Welcome to the Big Ten. What were your initial thoughts when you heard the news that Oregon was moving to a new conference? How did you think the Ducks would adjust to life in the Big Ten? What were your expectations for them this year?

BW: I expected that Oregon would go to the B1G if given the opportunity. Sentiments aside, the Pac-12 was a failure as a conference – (former commissioners) Larry Scott was a failure, George Kliavkoff was a failure, and the B1G move was inevitable. Oregon athletics have been very much in the black for many years, unlike the other former Pac-12 additions to the B1G. See, it’s not just money from Phil Knight and Division Street at work – Athletic Director Rob Mullens runs a tight ship and he’s very good at what he does. Oregon does not need to come in with a full payout to 2030. What they needed, and got, was national brand exposure, and that’s what the move to the Big Ten offered.

The Ducks got what they wanted – exposure – and they will thrive in the B1G. The expectation is that they will make the playoff this year, and we’ll see what happens. No one is looking invulnerable this year, and I don’t think anyone is going to be surprised if Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Ohio State…or maybe even Oregon…wins it all this year.

TOC: Oregon came into this season as one of the popular picks for the national championship. But the Ducks did not look like that team in their first two games, struggling against Idaho and then just getting by Boise State. What was the problem in those two games? What have they been doing better these past two games, big wins over Oregon State and UCLA?

BW: The answer to this question boils down to the offensive line. Our Addicted To Quack site editor, hythloday, has 15 years of film study that demonstrates how a successful offensive line is created, and unlike all other position players, an offensive line has to have its own development culture and, by and large, cannot be plugged in from the transfer portal. The success of the Oregon offensive line is 20+ years in the making. It continues to be a developmental project, in that the coaches actively develop OL players.

My personal take is that the OL has had some struggles with rotation and communication. Both OL and DL rotate players in and out, and where other teams may have a starting 5 that they primarily stick with, Oregon has a starting 8 or so that rotate in and out, on both lies. Injuries complicate this ideal, and some injuries have affected the Oregon lines, but more so with the offense than the defense. The struggles with the OL have been with position, performance, and communication. What we’re seeing now, as opposed to the season opener against Idaho, is better communication and coaching.

Boise State has Ashton Jeanty. No one can stop him. He’s my Heisman (so far) pick for a reason; Boise State doesn’t have an OL of NFL starters…no, he gets the yards that he gets on personal effort and talent. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an RB like Jeanty. You can’t stop him, and that’s the story of Oregon’s game against Boise State, and that will be the story of everyone who plays against Boise State this year.

Oregon’s OL is settling in, and I think that will continue against Michigan State. Idaho is a decent team. The Ducks beat them, that is all. The next two weeks will reveal all frauds, be they Oregon or anyone else.

TOC: Bo Nix is off to the NFL. Dillon Gabriel is now the man for the Ducks in his sixth year of college football after 2 seasons at Oklahoma and 3 at Central Florida before that. What do you like about his game? What are his weaknesses? Do you think he will make it to and succeed in the NFL?

BW: I’ll say here what I’ve said before – I do not follow the NFL, and I only have a pedestrian knowledge of things/players in the NFL. I have no idea who can or will succeed in the NFL. That notwithstanding, my wife was married to a former NFL nose tackle, and I know that the Denver Broncos were very much interested in Nix all season last year, so I was not surprised that they picked him. It’s a good fit for him, and Elway is probably the best boss that a QB could be working for.

Gabriel is not quite as accurate as Nix, but I think that’s the product of mainly Gabriel being behind a line that was not as solid as Nix’s OL. Gabriel had been holding on to the ball too long, and he’s largely fixed that. But Dillon Gabriel is close to, but not as good as, Bo Nix. In reality, there are scores of football programs that wish they had the “problems” that Oregon has at the QB position.

TOC: Tell us about your defense. What is your base formation? What is the strongest level? Who is the one guy that opposing teams need to look out for?

BW: Oregon’s head coach is Dan Lanning, who was the defensive coordinator for Georgia’s championship team. What he brought with him is the Mint defense, and the ideology that it’s explosive passing that defeats an opponent, so you eliminate explosive passing…and many times it’s at expense of the (non-explosive) run. If your readers need/want further elaboration, then read hythloday’s extensive reviews or listen to his podcasts at ATQ.

https://www.addictedtoquack.com/2024/5/8/24155018/duck-dive-big-ten-football-2024-preview-compilation

Defense has been, and will be, a strong point this season. I can’t pin one guy as the player you need to watch for, because a great defense has great players on all three levels. I will point to two players: Jordan Birch has been an edge terror and will continue to be. Anyone that watched Oregon’s last two games knows about the secondary and knows that passes have been primarily going against Nikko Reed because no one wants to pass against Jabbar Muhammed. Watch Oregon’s secondary closely and you’ll see that this will be true against the Spartans.

The defensive weakness is at linebacker, but you may not know it when we face Michigan State. Jonathan Smith knows it, however, so watch for how he tries to exploit this weakness. Smith is a very clever coach.

TOC: What is the number one thing Michigan State needs to do in order to come away with a victory in Eugene?

BW: Michigan State needs to have success offensively. It’s not enough to win the turnover battle against Oregon – they will still crush you. The Spartans need to have sustained drives that result in points.

And mind you, Jonathan Smith knows this. He’s been very successful in Autzen, both as a player and a coach. Not all is lost for the Spartans, and even if you lose, Smith is going to make Michigan State better. Believe in that.

TOC: Bonus Question: Predict the final score.

BW: OMG I’m horrible at this. Anyone who has followed my picks on Off Tackle Empire knows that I do a decent job of picking the winner, but I’m awful at the spread. This is why I don’t gamble. Oregon 42, Michigan State 20.

TOC wishes to thank Badwater for his help with this piece. We hope you continue to be horrible at predicting scores.

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Oregon

Keys to Victory: Michigan vs Oregon

Published

6 hours ago

November 2, 2024

Press Room

The Big Ten football schedule stops for no one. After a much-needed rivalry win over the Michigan State Spartans, the 5-3 Michigan Wolverines host the No. 1 team in the country in the Oregon Ducks, who are legit national title contenders.

It has been tumultuous season on the field for Michigan, but pulling off an upset against one of the best teams in the country could certainly help Michigan fans forget some of those struggles.

Here are three keys to victory against the Ducks.

Avoid chunk plays in the passing game

Airing out the ball is a huge part of Oregon’s offense, with Heisman candidate Dillon Gabriel entering Week 10 ranked eighth in the country in total passing yards (2,371). In press conferences this week, Michigan’s secondary spoke highly of Oregon’s receiving core, with Tez Johnson, Traeshon Holden and Evan Stewart combining for 1,397 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 113 catches this year.

“We just want to make sure to limit the explosive plays and try to turn the ball over to give it back to our offense. That’s a key focus for us, especially for this game coming up,” cornerback Aamir Hall said. “They have very fast guys that like to get into space and just make plays using their speed and quickness. Them coming into the Big House will be exciting.”

Big plays are the easiest way for teams to gain momentum and crush the spirits of an underdog. It’s a tall task — especially if Will Johnson isn’t healthy — but Michigan has to do its best to limit Oregon’s passing attack.

Feed Colston Loveland again and again

On the other side of the ball, it’s going to be crucial for Michigan to keep utilizing future NFL tight end Colston Loveland. After the offense had been pathetic most of the season, offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell called his best game of the year against MSU. Loveland played a big role in that, racking up 67 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Loveland is likely one of the names towards the top of Oregon’s scouting report, so Michigan will have to be creative when it comes to getting him the ball. The Wolverines need to use the run game to set him up in the passing game. Loveland being able to pick up a few chunk plays increases Michigan’s upset chances immensely.

Michigan cannot turn the ball over

As it has for the Wolverines all season long, the turnover margin is going to play a big factor. Oregon is far ahead of them in that category this season (+3 vs -6). The easiest way to turn a potential upset into a blowout is by turning the ball over, just ask Navy after turning the ball over six times in a 51-14 loss to Notre Dame last week.

Michigan did a great job taking care of the ball a week ago. Quarterback Davis Warren wasn’t a star by any means, but he did just enough to help lead Michigan to victory. I am not so sure that victory happens if he throws a pick or two.

As Jared Stormer and Andrew Bailey pointed out on Out of the Blue this week, the Wolverines have to win the turnover battle to win this game, and they probably have to win it by two takeaways or more. A few second-half picks by Gabriel can certainly swing things.

What else does Michigan have to do to pull off this upset? Let us know in the comments.

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Oregon

Michigan Wolverines Star Cornerback Will Johnson Out Against Oregon Ducks?

Published

16 hours ago

November 1, 2024

Press Room

Michigan Wolverines Star Cornerback Will Johnson Out Against Oregon Ducks?

Michigan Wolverines star cornerback Will Johnson’s status for the Oregon Ducks matchup has been up in the air for the past couple of weeks, but all signs now point to him not playing on Saturday, Nov. 2, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS and 247 Sports. This will be his third consecutive
Big Ten Conference game on the sidelines for the Wolverines.

Johnson left Michigan’s 27-24 win against USC on Sept. 21 with a shoulder injury and sat out the following week against Minnesota. He also underwent knee surgery in the offseason before the 2023 season, which forced him to miss the Wolverines’ first three games.

Johnson suffered a more recent foot injury during the first half of the 21-17 road loss at Illinois on Oct. 19 this season. Oregon’s coach Dan Lanning realizes how much of an impact this loss has for the Michigan defense.

“He’s a great player. He has ball production. He gets in and out of breaks. He’s able to take away a side of the field. So he’s definitely a guy that would make an impact.”
– Oregon coach Dan Lanning
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Oregon Ducks beat Illinois Fighting Ilini in Autzen Stadium: Oregon coach Dan Lanning / oregon duck

Johnson’s put together 14 total tackles, three pass deflections and two interceptions on the defensive end during his junior season. He has also returned two punt returns for touchdowns in five games played for the Wolverines.

During Michigan’s College Football Playoff title run last season, Johnson finished with 27 tackles, four pass deflections, four interceptions as well as one punt return to the house in his sophomore campaign.

“Will has no plan of just shutting it down or anything like that. Will, if he could go out there, he would go out there in a heartbeat. And, I know that he’ll be back out there at some point this season, whether it’s this week, next week, or whatever it is. And there’s zero doubt in my mind that he, the competitor that wants to be out there with his teammates, so I know he’ll be back.”
– Michigan coach Sherrone Moore

When healthy, Johnson has been impactful throughout his entire career for the Wolverines. He’s considered one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL draft due to his natural ball skills and playmaking instincts in the secondary.

Michigan will have a tough time against Heisman-hopeful quarterback Dillon Gabriel and the Oregon passing attack without Johnson. His versatility in both man and zone coverage schemes would make a difference for the Wolverines (5-3, 3-2) against the No. 1 Ducks (8-0, 5-0) who will kick-off at the “Big House” at 12:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, Nov. 2.

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Oregon

When can you get studded tires in Oregon? What to know for winter driving

Published

1 day ago

November 1, 2024

Press Room

When can you get studded tires in Oregon? What to know for winter driving

While winter doesn’t officially start until Dec. 21, Oregon has already begun to see snow and cooler temperatures, which means it’s not too early to get studded tires and chains.

Here’s when you can get studded tires, when you might need them and where to get them.

When are studded tires legal in Oregon?

In Oregon, it’s legal to replace regular traction tires with studded tires from Nov. 1 through March 31.

Studded tires consist of metal studs rooted throughout the tread of the tire that give drivers better traction by digging into packed snow and ice, making for safer driving in winter conditions. For areas of Oregon such as central, eastern and mountain passes that typically see ice and heavy snowfall each year, studded tires and chains are sometimes required.

All highways throughout the state are subject to Oregon’s chain law. In normal winter weather, vehicles rated at 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less are allowed to use traction tires in place of chains as long as they’re not towing or being towed, according to Oregon Department of Transportation.

However, in certain road conditions, studded tires may not be enough.

When does Oregon require chains or studded tires?

When going through particularly bad road conditions, drivers may encounter conditional road closures where they will see brightly lit electronic messages letting them know whether chains are required, or if traction tires are enough.

To find out beforehand whether Oregon roads are experiencing any closures, travelers can go to the TripCheck website and view current statewide road conditions.

Should you use studded tires in Oregon?

Due to the impact studded tires have on pavement, the Oregon Department of Transportation advises drivers that studded tires should only be used when necessary.

Research has been conducted on the type of damage studded tires does to roadways, including how the use of studs “can shorten the asphalt surface life of pavements,” according to a report by the ODOT Research Unit.

ODOT recommended that drivers delay using studded tires or even looking into other traction tire options.

In place of studs, all-weather or high-performance tires provide wider tracts, deeper grooves and uneven surfaces to provides better traction for drivers in any road conditions.

Where can drivers purchase studded tires in Oregon?

As the colder months approach, chains, studded tires and other traction tires can be purchased at tire retailers like Les Schwab, Discount Tire and local tire retailers around Oregon.

Costs for studding and purchasing studdable tires will vary depending on the type of vehicle you have.

Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.

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