A matchup against Wyoming (2-0) doesn’t quite intrigue Oregon fans when it comes to football these days, let alone after a win over No. 7 Michigan State. But a game is still a game and even though Wyoming isn’t going to threaten any chance at No. 2 Oregon (2-0) making the playoffs, the Ducks still need to execute.
Oregon’s defense vs. Wyoming’s offense:
In the season opener Oregon gave up 13 points during its blowout over South Dakota State, which isn’t terrible by any means. But with the Wyoming Cowboys soon to be in town, the Ducks need to keep them in check. As a team that has only scored 34 points in its two games this season against Montana and Air Force, it seems that Oregon’s defense should be able to keep the Cowboys off the scoreboard.
But Oregon’s defense allowed 19 first downs against South Dakota State including two in the Coyotes’ first drive and five in the first quarter for a total of 11 in the first half. At that point, the Oregon defense was no longer filled with the starters with the score 41-13 at the half.
To the Ducks’ credit, they held the Coyotes scoreless in the second half and kept a No. 7 Michigan State team in check. But it will be important for the Ducks to have dominance on both sides of the ball.
Oregon needs to fine tune before Pac-12 play
Even though Oregon’s first Pac-12 oppenent is Washington State, the Ducks should still try to get as ready as they can for conference play. Last season, the Ducks lost their final two conference road-games (Stanford, Arizona) and winning on the road this season against teams like UCLA and Oregon State will be critical for the Ducks’ success this season.
Freshmen continue to stand out
With redshirt junior Tyler Johnstone out for the season after re-tearing his right ACL and Andre Yruretagoyena out from an injury during the Michigan State game, Tyrell Crosby was called upon to hold the line against a tough Michigan State defense. And he did exactly that.
“Nothing phases him,” said offensive line coach Steve Greatwood. “I thought he did very well. For a true freshman to go in there in that situation and perform against a caliber of opponent that he did, I was very pleased with his performance.”
After 73 impressive minutes against Michigan State, the true freshman from Henderson, Nevada will be with the starting O-line against Wyoming.
Redshirt freshman Devon Allen and true freshman Royce Freeman scored four of the six touchdowns against Michigan State, two apiece. Allen is stepping up for the major target Heiseman candidate Marcus Mariota, in a position that is missing key receiver Bralon Addison. Freeman, on the other hand, is earning playing time with the Thomas Tyner, Byron Marshall tandem. Freeman, who stands at 6-feet, 229-pounds, has been as advertised out of Imperial High School. Freeman has racked up 164 yards along with four touchdowns on just 23 carries so far this season.
Follow Andrew Bantly on Twitter at @abant3