Speedy Ducks ‘Ho Hum’ Their Way Past James Madison, 51-34

BY KEN WOODY

Coach Dan Lanning’s Oregon Ducks took their first step in their college football playoff journey before a loud, enthusiastic Autzen Stadium crowd, establishing a 34-6 halftime lead over the James Madison Dukes and then sleep walking through an ugly second half that ended with a 51-34 win. The Ducks’ next step is a long one: Miami on New Year’s Day against Texas Tech.

Lanning was grateful for the win, but said afterwards: “The team realizes this is a growth moment for us, an opportunity to continue to improve and get better, but we’re going to have to play better football to be able to reach our goals when it’s all said and done.’

The coach was noticeably reticent answering questions. A look at the game stats showed why: James Madison had more first downs (23-22), more passing yardage (323-313) and a total offense over 500 yards (514). Lanning takes great pride in establishing tough defense and a domination of the line of scrimmage on both offense and defense. The Ducks did neither in the second half, outscored 28-17.

The Dukes got themselves straightened out at halftime and the Ducks did not and it was a matter of penalty yardage (113 yards) that kept JMU from getting closer the rest of the way. Oregon has been flagged frequently by personal fouls and pass interference calls the past three games—all victories, but with the quality of opponent taking a big jump from here on in, there is no breathing room.

Lanning’s assessment, delivered in a calm, but terse manner said it all: “There were some moments that really showed up, obviously special teams with the blocked field goal and blocked punt. There were some big plays there. But to not be able to come out and have the same success in the second half that we had in the first half is certainly disappointing.”

Before the game, a pundit commented on Oregon’s chances of making the arduous journey to the pinnacle of college football: “Why the Ducks will win it all: Big Plays and three-and-outs—Oregon’s explosive offense has gained at least 20+ yards on 10.4% of its snaps, the best in the country. The defense has allowed gains of at least 20 yards on only 3.3% of their snaps, the least in the country.”

In this first-round game, James Madison ran 31 more plays than Oregon (84-53),  but its explosive index was 10.7 to the Ducks’ 17%. The Dukes converted 41% of its third down tries, and 4-of-4 fourth-down tries. The Ducks offense was spectacular at times, running up 206 yards rushing to JML’s shocking 186, but at no time did the Ducks establish the physical domination on both sides of the ball that they enjoyed in their wins over USC and Washington.

Coming into this game the Ducks had gone three-and-out just 15.3% of the time (fourth nationally) while forcing three-and-outs 42% of the time (fifth). Oregon was .9% offensively and an excellent 31% on defense in this game, but it was the drives that were not three-and-outs that earned the Duke’s their points. It is difficult to beat a team that is overpowering you in both efficiency and explosiveness and that’s where the game’s outcome was settled for Oregon.

The pundit went on to say that there were reasons that the Ducks would be denied a national title: “More disruption needed. Although defense has been effective, the Ducks haven’t been great at forcing the issue. They rank 98^th in stuff rate, and 47^th in sack rate. They force a lot of passing downs (2^nd and 8+, 3^rd and 4^th and 5+) but they rank 47^th in passing down success rate allowed and if a team can get to the red zone, they will probably score a touchdown: Oregon’s 75% red zone TD rate is 129^th nationally.”

Lanning and his defensive staff’s evaluation of the game’s statistics will show little defensive disruption, mostly in the second half, which was marked by poor pass coverage, poor pass rushing, and the worst tackling of the season. The Ducks could not force a fumble or intercept a pass, and gave up 28 points to a team that refused to give in to the crowd or their halftime deficit. Not all was grim; however: Oregon’s defense had two sacks (needed more); 11 pass breakups (excellent) and 12 quarterback hurries (outstanding); they just couldn’t force a turnover.

The Ducks enjoyed a size and speed advantage over James Madison, but the Dukes’ skill players had speed of their own; and their big guys in the trenches never gave in. Lanning will be dismayed at the film evaluation: Oregon’s offensive and defensive linemen’s pad level, follow through and leg drive diminished in the second half—it made their effort look half-hearted. These fundamentals brought success during the season, but were noticeably absent as the game progressed. Although there were a number of backup players in the game at times, Lanning will point out that they were not meeting the standard set during the long, rigorous season. The film will show every bad habit that can undo a good offense and make it sputter, even against lesser athletes.

Against defenses with Oregon’ statistical liabilities, good offenses, at the national playoff level (Indiana and USC) the Ducks allowed 28.5 points per game and 5.1 yards per play—not terrible averages, but not dominant either, putting pressure on Dante Moore and the offense to score 30 or more against the elite defenses that Oregon has in front of them. James Madison averaged 6.1 yards per play and scored 34 points to Oregon’s 51 points and 9.7 per play.

At halftime, Moore was 11-of-14 (78%), 211 yards, 3 TD, 1 int; but in the second fell to 8-of-13 for 102 yards and a touchdown. He had two interceptions, including one that was thrown up for grabs to a defensive back who ran it back 61 yards to set up a touchdown. The pass will go down as the worst decision of the year for a quarterback no longer a Heisman candidate. There were several other situations where Moore had blitzers in his face as he was throwing. Although the offensive play caller had many successful gains, there were too many situations where the quarterback did not have a quick option, either by play design or formation choice and ended up being harassed. Although the Ducks did not allow a sack, there was too much pressure in the face of the quarterback throughout the game.

Jordon Davison led the rushing attack with 90 yards, a long of 36 on ten carries and frosh speedster Dierre Hill had 76, including a 56-yarder for a score. Wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan caught 6 balls for 83 yards and Malik Benson continued to amaze fans with his blazing speed for 119 yards and two touchdowns. Injured receivers Gary Bryant and Dakorien Moore, made brief appearances towards the end and look like they may be available for the next game.

James Madison was a respected opponent for coach Lanning’s squad. One columnist suggested they were qualified to be at Oregon for this playoff game and they played with all their hearts. It was, no matter what, a good test that the Ducks recognize aspects of their game that absolutely must be improved. If the defense can’t force turnovers and tackle and cover as they did against the Dukes, it will be long plane ride home from Miami where they will meet their second-round adversary, Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl.

The Red Raiders have an outstanding defense that will press offensive coordinator Will Stein to the limit, which is daunting personally for him, as he is dividing his time between the Ducks and his new position as head coach at Kentucky. Lanning’s defensive coordinator, Tosh Lupoi, himself dividing his time with the Ducks as the heir apparent as head man at California, has a lot of work to do, but Lanning’s history of being involved in the coaching of the defense, should make sure those issues that reared their head against James Madison will be resolved.

Lanning continually stresses the “standard” the Ducks have worked so hard to establish– it is the core of Oregon football and the accelerator for the program’s ascent. I feel Oregon should win this next contest against Texas Tech–it is a more complete football team. The big “however” is that with the same lackluster effort of their past game, the Ducks’ season will be over.

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  TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30th AT 5:00 P.M.  Plays from Oregon game 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.