Oregon Ducks continue to show concerning trend, even in a blowout Big Ten victory over Michigan
With an 8-0 record after dominating Michigan at The Big House, there's little doubt that the Oregon Ducks are the best team in college football. There's very little that you can say about the Ducks that isn't a raving review — the offense is balanced, can beat you on the ground, can attack with high-percentage […]
With an 8-0 record after dominating Michigan at The Big House, there's little doubt that the Oregon Ducks are the best team in college football. There's very little that you can say about the Ducks that isn't a raving review — the offense is balanced, can beat you on the ground, can attack with high-percentage throws, and can attack deep down the field. The defense is stout and punishing, and has made life difficult for opposing offenses.
There's just one, itty bitty concern that has the potential to impact games late in the season and in the College Football Playoffs — Oregon has been nearly dormant in the third quarter.
That says "dormant," not "dominant."
After scoring 28 points in the first half, Oregon came out of halftime with a three-and-out on offense, and finished the quarter mustering only a field goal. It's the latest in a season-long trend. Although, the field goal was the first points the Ducks have scored in the third quarter since they played Michigan State almost a month ago. They managed a field goal in that third quarter as well.
Oregon hasn't scored a touchdown in the third quarter since they played Oregon State in Corvallis on September 14. That's not a great trend.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning was asked about it after the game.
“Yeah there’s a trend. It’s something that we’re aware of and attacking," Lanning said. "They came out and got a three-and-out in the first possession, so it’s something we want to improve on.”
It simply must improve.
In the third quarter of this game, the offense was stagnant, and the defense, which had been stout all game, allowed Michigan to claw back into it. At one point late in the third, Michigan got the score all the way down to 29-17. Allowing opponents to fight their way back into a game and get momentum back on their side is a dangerous recipe for success. For a moment, it certainly wasn't comfortable.
As explosive and dynamic as this offense can be, to come out of halftime with little juice is a recipe for disaster late in the season against the best opponents in the country. Oregon has to figure out how to play a full four quarters, and fast.
Oregon Ducks suffer two potentially massive losses during road Big Ten route over Michigan
A dark cloud over a huge win.
Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on X @JonHelmkamp, as well as follow our main page @AtoZSportsNFL for all the latest news.
