Bryson Blue
Writer
The No. 5 Oregon Ducks (12-1) defeated No. 12 James Madison (12-2) in the first round of the College Football Playoff, 51-34. However, that result was found unsatisfactory after the Ducks struggled to dominate the Group of 5 opponent in the second half. Now, with the Ducks traveling to play No. 4 Texas Tech (12-1) in the Orange Bowl, those struggles cannot show up with them.
After leading the Dukes 34-6 at halftime, the Ducks completely tapered off, allowing JMU to outscore them in the final two quarters. The offense wasn’t the issue, as Dante Moore threw for 313 yards, 4 touchdowns, and two interceptions. Moore also added a fifth touchdown to his box score on the ground.
The major problem was the defense. There is no world where Oregon should allow 509 yards of total offense. Both head coach Dan Lanning and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi expressed vociferous frustration with the team’s performance against JMU. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are a different beast, and if Oregon wants any chance at winning the Orange Bowl and advancing, they have to play four quarters of quality football.
Oregon cannot bet on winning the Orange Bowl by outgunning Texas Tech. The Red Raiders’ front seven is extremely good and will, without a doubt, cause some trouble for the Ducks’ offense. The Ducks have to get back to their balanced identity because there will not be any room for the defensive mishaps seen against JMU.
Currently, according to FanDuel, the Ducks are narrow favorites against the Red Raiders, opening as the 1.5-point favorite. Essentially, this game could be a toss-up. Oregon has to play disciplined, balanced, and smart football. The hype around Moore is loud, but he has to seize the moment and not let it get to his head. Because if he doesn’t, the Orange Bowl and the season could be at risk.
Cody Croy
Writer
The 15th annual NFL honors ceremony was held on Thursday night and a couple former Buckeyes brought home some hardware. Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba took home the Offensive Player Of The Year award, given to the best offensive player in the NFL. Smith-Njigba had a sensational season, converting 119 catches, 1,793 yards, […]
Bryson Blue
Writer
The Utah Utes’ (11-2, 7-2 Big 12) season ended in triumph with a win over Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl, but that didn’t stop a mass exodus of talent from coming.
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Writer
The Oregon Ducks defense pillaged the championship aspirations of Texas Tech from their competitive psyche
