Oregon vs. Eastern Washington: Five Questions Before Kickoff

It is sport day in Eugene. The Oregon Geese welcome the Jap Washington Eagles to Autzen Stadium for his or her dwelling opener and hoping to bounce again after a tough exhibiting in Atlanta towards Georgia.

Like many different faculties throughout the nation, this staff nonetheless has lots of work to do to succeed in their full potential underneath Dan Lanning. Listed here are 5 questions forward of kickoff at 5:44 pm PT on Pac-12 Community.

1. How efficient and environment friendly is the offense?

The Geese ran the ball pretty successfully towards a historically stout Georgia entrance to the tune of 140 yards, averaging 4.5 yards a pop. However the passing assault was hit or miss, particularly when the offense struggled to complete drives and needed to overcome turnovers.

This offense is loaded with weapons from high to backside at wideout, operating again and tight finish. I am hoping to see extra of Dont’e Thornton and Seven McGee towards a protection that must be outmatched. Additionally hold an eye fixed out on the deep ball, because the Geese have to proceed stretching the sphere vertically to change into a extra explosive and threatening offense.

2. Can the Geese get strain on the quarterback?

Oregon did not report a sack towards the Bulldogs. A part of that was from an absence of strain and Stetson Bennett additionally made it some extent to get the ball out rapidly. 

The Geese have the dimensions benefit and higher athletes within the entrance seven to create strain and collapse the pocket, however they’re going to have to give attention to ending performs towards an elusive quarterback in Gunner Talkington.

3. How effectively does the protection execute the basics?

Oregon’s tackling raised an enormous pink flag in week one. Arm tackles and poor angles have been simply a part of what led to a scoring explosion for Georgia.

This protection is way too proficient to place collectively one other effort like what we noticed final week. It is time to break down, wrap up, and play to the whistle and play like what must be one of many higher defenses within the Pac-12.

4. How does Bo Nix take care of a tough debut?

I appreciated that Nix tried to push the ball downfield final week. That was one thing that was a rarity from Anthony Brown final 12 months. However turning the ball over is the simplest approach to erase all the nice work in a sport. 

We knew going into the season the turnovers have been the most important danger with Nix, however a a lot simpler defensive matchup ought to enable him to settle in. The Geese do not want him to do something particular on Saturday, simply run the offense, get the ball to the playmakers, and handle the rock. 

If Nix can play a clear sport, the offense ought to have the ability to put this considered one of of attain and get some youthful gamers like Ty Thompson some reps for his or her growth.

5. Can the Geese win the perimeter?

Whether or not it was on offense or protection final week, the Geese weren’t a menace on the perimeter. This result in the protection getting gashed on sweeps, tosses and fast passes out to the flat.

Lanning famous this may be a precedence in his press conferences this week and it will should be an space the Geese sharpen on each side of the ball. Higher blocking, breaking tackles and blowing up blocks will probably be key for a win on Saturday.

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