OREGON 56, RUTGERS 10; THE QUACK IS BACK

BY KEN WOODY

Rutgers has been playing football since 1869, and have an adjusted win-loss record of 510 wins against 525 losses. The Scarlet Knights have not suffered a more decisive and resounding defeat than that suffered Saturday in Piscataway, New Jersey–an annihilation administered by Oregon, 56-10, the fourth largest road win in Duck history. Head coach Dan Lanning had nothing but smiles after the brutal contest, stark contrast to last week’s post-game presser after his flock was taken to the woodshed by Indiana in Autzen Stadium. There, he pledged his team would see the doctor and find out what needs to be corrected to be a better, tougher football team.

All last week after the Hoosier defeat, Duck fans who wrung their hands and ruminated on what could have gone so terribly wrong with the offense, defense and game plan are now relieved. By observation, Lanning and his staff got a lot of football matters straightened out in practice during the week and it showed (everything does) as the previously somnolent offense ran up 750 yards (.43 miles), and eight touchdowns, while the defense limited Rutger’s previously respected offense to 202 yards and one touchdown.  

Starting with offense, quarterback Dante Moore shook off a poor performance against the Hoosiers and completed 15-of-20 throws for 290 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Offensive coordinator Will Stein was much more creative and strategic with play calling and the use of different formations that allowed Moore excellent protection and different throwing positions, enough to avoid a single sack after being pillaged last game by Indiana’s physical front.

Ten different receivers caught passes lead by Kenyon Sadiq’s four outstanding catches and two touchdowns, backup tight end Jamari Johnson sped down the sideline for 56 yards while Dakorien Moore ran the sweetest corner-post ever for a 34-yard touchdown. Where were those pass patterns last week?

At one point, Moore completed seven straight passes over 20 yards against a helpless secondary that did not see the same Oregon creativity on films of their ineptness against Indiana. Moore stood strong in the pocket, moved when he needed to and did not show any of the hesitation of his previous game. He limped a bit last week after being roughed up, but showed healthy speed running for 49 yards on three carries.

Noah Whittington gained 125 yards on only 11 carries and started out the game with a bang: going down the left sideline for 68 yards on Oregon’s third play from scrimmage. Seven rushers had multiple carries. Duck runners showed skill in reading blocking patterns and took turns leading on counter plays that continually gained yardage against an overmatched front seven that had to be surprised by the improved pace and tenacity of both the running backs and the linemen blocking for them.

One could not help but notice the improvement in pad level, quickness and power that the offensive line displayed as the Ducks cut, slashed and rumbled to an impressive 415 yards rushing and four touchdowns. As Doctor Lanning says, “The game is won by the team with the most yards rushing.” After allowing six sacks last week and many physical hits to their meal ticket, the offensive line got back to basics, allowing no sacks, converting 8-of-11 third-downs. and giving Moore time and space to make his reads and throw. The Ducks did not have to punt and had no three-and-outs. Projects for improvement will be penalty avoidance as the lads took two major penalties that will hurt a lot more against upcoming opponents.

Oregon’s offense came alive and made it look easy with Big Plays (+10 per rush; +15 per pass): 10 pass completions for 290 yards and 13 rushes for 340 yards. Rutgers lost this game in the trenches and the big plays took their emotional toll as the Ducks had a 14-3 lead at the end of the first quarter that exploded to 42-3 at halftime, driving Scarlet Knights faithful for the exits and an early cocktail. It was 56-3 with eleven minutes left in the game when Lanning had backups getting playing time, including backup quarterback Brock Thomas who completed 3-of-4 passes for 45 yards.

Rutgers’ offense found Oregon’s defense a surprisingly tough nut to crack, suffering six three-and-outs, and having only three big plays: one pass for 18 yards and two runs for 10 and 19 yards. That alone, was an indicator of the total dominance defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi’s troops enjoyed in Piscataway. The Knights could only convert 5-of-18 third downs and gain 202 yards total offense while turning the ball over three times.

Oregon’s secondary played Rutgers’ receivers tighter and more physical than the wide-open spaces they gave up last week against Indiana and it paid off. The Ducks broke up eight passes and intercepted two as the concept of taking the ball away from the receiver seemed to be better than trailing and tackling them after they catch the ball. Coach Lanning told his players to “let it rip,” several weeks ago and Rutgers’ defensive game plan was much more that, than their passive nature in the loss to the Hoosiers.

Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis was in the top-ten national passing stats before the game and he was stymied in this one: completing 8-of-25 passes for 79 yards and two interceptions.  As the score mounted, the Knights had some success running the ball. Several times they went to the pass unsuccessfully when they could have stuck with the run, but for Coach Greg Schiano, it was hard to keep from pressing when the Ducks were scoring on every drive. Kaliakmanis’ success against Washington last week was not going to happen against Oregon’s secondary.

Coach Lanning vowed his coaching staff would break down the Indiana film, identify problems and mistakes and give the players the attention and correction they needed to meet the challenges ahead, something that did not happen during the bye week, which stands as a lost opportunity. Wisconsin comes this Saturday and it would be a mistake to take them lightly—they are a proud and most importantly, a tough group of football players.

If Oregon’s players have learned anything from their brief stay in the Big Ten, it is that no matter the team, Big Ten football players are rough dudes whose teams take pride in being tough and physical. All teams talk about it, but Big Ten players live it and you can see it, particularly when you watch films of their defensive front-seven players and offensive linemen. No matter who you’re playing, it’s going to be long day of tangling with blacksmiths who are trying to knock your head off—a dramatic difference from West Coast football with its fancy formations and cool uniforms. That’s also, maybe why lately, most of the national champions have been from the South or Big Ten. Get used to it, or change sports.

Ken Woody coached college football for 18 years as an assistant at Oregon, Washington, Utah State and Washington State and as a head coach at Whitman College and Washington University-St. Louis. He conducts a coaching clinic, free to all, at the 6^th Street Grill WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22nd AT 5:00 P.M.  Plays from Oregon games are analyzed, there are scouting reports for opponents, and highlights from referees; all to learn and enjoy football and understand why the Ducks win or lose