Ducks head coach Dan Lanning discusses one area they must be successful in to beat Michigan
Being able to run the ball is important in every game, but for the Oregon Ducks, it might never be more important than it is this Saturday. The Michigan defensive front is arguable the best in the country, headlined by a pair of game-wreckers that will both likely be selected in the first round of the […]
Being able to run the ball is important in every game, but for the Oregon Ducks, it might never be more important than it is this Saturday.
The Michigan defensive front is arguable the best in the country, headlined by a pair of game-wreckers that will both likely be selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Mason Graham, who will end up in the conversation for the first overall pick, is particularly troublesome.
Being able to slow down the pass rush of this front will be a huge aspect to the game against Michigan, and the best way to do so is to be able to run the ball. Jordan James and the ascending Noah Whittington are going to be instrumental to Oregon's success.
"Well, I mean, it's something we're preparing for — the ability to be able to run the ball on a team like this," Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said when asked about Michigan's run defense. "I think that's important when you play in games like this. They've always been a really physical run team, they've always done a good job of running well. And I think our offense and our team is most efficient when we have a good run game going. So that'll be an important piece for us to try to figure out."
Over the first five games of the season, the Michigan defense held opponents to only 68.8 rushing yards per game. Over the last two weeks, against Illinois and Michigan State, that number ballooned to 175.
Oregon and Lanning consistently preach about wanting to win the line of scrimmage and about how important running the ball is to this team's success. The passing attack is efficient and explosive, but the ability to punish defenses and make them respect the ground game is crucial. Oregon averages a healthy 5.0 yards per rush, and 175.9 rushing yards per game.
A big part of establishing the tone of this game will be how Oregon can run with physicality. On the season, James has averaged 3.07 yards after contact per attempt, and has forced 37 missed tackles on the season. His ability to make defenses earn it will go a long way to Oregon finding success against Michigan.
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