After completing his post game interview, Oregon safety Erick Dargan walked from his seat in the Washington State workout center toward the exit. On his way there he passed sophomore outside linebacker Torrodney Prevot and gave him a nickname.
“No hands Torrodney Prevot,” Dargan exclaimed melodically.
In Oregon’s 38-31 victory over Washington State last weekend, Prevot tipped two catchable interceptions from Cougars’ quarterback Connor Halliday.
Earlier in the day, Prevot made it a priority to try and snag an interception against the pass-happy Cougars. Like a day in the film room, Prevot replayed the hypothetical scenario over and over again in his head.
“We went over our goals and it was something I disguised in my head,” Prevot said. “I just thought about it all day. When it came down to it, I just couldn’t make it. I put one hand on it when I should’ve put two.”
After tipping the first pass late in the first quarter, with Washington State driving deep into Oregon territory, Prevot returned to the sideline to some expected teasing from his teammates.
“After the play, I was getting it from everybody, but everybody said that I would end up getting another shot at it,” Prevot recalled.
Prevot got another chance in the second half. At the snap of the ball, Prevot faked like he was rushing, dropped back into coverage and looked for the ball. When Halliday released it, Prevot locked on, reached out with one hand and tipped the ball instead of coming up with a catch. Instead of keeping his eyes on the ball, Prevot turned his attention to the possibility of returning the ball for a touchdown and the wide open plains ahead of him.
“I could see it in my eyes,” Prevot said. “I was already thinking ahead and I should’ve been thinking about now and just take the ball and make a turnover for my team.”
Oregon had plenty of chances against Halliday. The Washington State quarterback passed 63 times and didn’t record an interception for the first time this season. The missed opportunities didn’t hurt the Ducks in the end, but going forward, those chances have to be seized.
“We had some chances where balls hit us in the hands but we just didn’t convert,”defensive coordinator Don Pellum said.
“Had we made those plays it would’ve really helped with the complexion of the game.”
Prevot had the same mindset.
“You just have to follow through and keep your eyes on the ball the whole time,” he said. “We just have to finish in making the plays when it’s there.”
After playing defensive end in a three-point stance in high school, Prevot is still undergoing the transition to outside linebacker and learning to drop back and cover. Going up against the high-octane offenses that the Pac-12 possesses, Prevot should have more opportunities to shed the nickname that Dargan gave him.
“It definitely has been (difficult) over the past year having to drop back in coverage and get a feel for everything, but I could say I’m improving a lot,” Prevot said.
Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt