Oregon's narrow victory over Wisconsin highlights a massive issue that they must fix in order to reach championship goals
Oregon got punched in the mouth during their trip to Wisconsin on Saturday night, notably, it was the offense that failed to get much of anything going. Dillon Gabriel looked more disjointed and out of sync than we've seen him since the early goings of the season, and it's pretty easy to tell why — […]
Oregon got punched in the mouth during their trip to Wisconsin on Saturday night, notably, it was the offense that failed to get much of anything going. Dillon Gabriel looked more disjointed and out of sync than we've seen him since the early goings of the season, and it's pretty easy to tell why — even though other playmakers were out there and putting numbers up in the stat sheet, the absence of leading wide receiver Tez Johnson is proving to be a massive issue.
Without Johnson, Evan Stewart led the way, catching eight passes for 72 yards in the first half. After halftime, where the Ducks were trailing coming out of the break for the first time since Week 2 against Boise State, Stewart caught only two passes in the second half.
"Commitment. Find a way. Find a way," Gabriel said when asked about the offensive performance after the game. "Whatever it takes. And we have a bunch of unselfish players that want to win, and it didn't look the way maybe people thought it would, but that W on the scoreboard is only matters.
Without Johnson on the field, Gabriel held the ball, often tucking it and running around in the pocket, trying to create. At times it worked. It's not like Gabriel had a horrible game. But at others, without getting the ball out quickly to Johnson like the offense loves to do, it cost Gabriel yards and caused multiple late sacks in the game.
It was clunky at best. Oregon didn't score their first touchdown until the fourth quarter. Gabriel finished 22/32 for 218 passing yards and an interception, with that pick coming down at the goal line.
Fortunately for Oregon, this is a gritty, physical team that can beat you in all three phases of the game. They still managed to win — narrowly — but a sputtering passing attack is not a recipe for success for the No. 1 team in the country with championship aspirations.
The presence of Johnson is something that this team needs back in the fold as soon as possible. The Ducks now head into a bye week before playing their hated rival Washington Huskies at home on November 30 before a likely Big Ten Championship Game berth the week following. All eyes will be on Johnson's shoulder injury with the postseason looming. If for some reason Johnson isn't able to get healthy, then there's major cause for concern about these Ducks.
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