Oregon's success against key Michigan stars was crucial to huge Big Ten road victory
Entering their matchup with the Michigan Wolverines, one of the key things that the Oregon Ducks needed to account for was the elite defensive front of Michigan. As head coach Dan Lanning said earlier in the week, Michigan has a lethal pair on their defensive interior in Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant that are game-wreckers, each […]
Entering their matchup with the Michigan Wolverines, one of the key things that the Oregon Ducks needed to account for was the elite defensive front of Michigan.
As head coach Dan Lanning said earlier in the week, Michigan has a lethal pair on their defensive interior in Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant that are game-wreckers, each of whom are projected to go in the first round of next year's NFL Draft.
Oregon's offensive line, despite surrendering some pressure and three quarterback hits, largely handled the defensive front well. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel wasn't sacked once, and Oregon put up a robust 38 points.
Graham, who is firmly in the conversation of being a top-5 pick next spring, was held to four pressures and three tackles. His presence was felt, but he didn't take over. One of Graham's pressures came against a backup offensive lineman that only played three passing down snaps, Kawika Rodgers.
Grant was completely neutralized. He got only one pressure on 29 pass rush snaps, and only had two tackles on the day.
Josh Conerly Jr., starting left tackle for the Ducks, deserves his flowers. He's one of the most underrated left tackles in the country. In 37 pass blocking reps against Michigan, Conerly didn't allow a single pressure. He was absolutely spectacular.
It's hard to overstate just how elite of a player Graham is. He's athletic, disruptive, strong, has great hands, and is capable of blowing up the interior of an offensive line. Oregon being able to stand tall against a defensive front like this one and essentially neutralize their ability to take over is what you hope to see from the No. 1 team in the country.
Oregon won't face a defensive front this talented again this season. With three games remaining, two of which at home in Autzen Stadium and a bye week before their final regular season game of the season, Oregon is in the driver seat not only in the Big Ten, but nationally.
Handle your business with a month to go.
Oregon gets little added pressure from other college football teams as they coast to a road Big Ten win against Michigan
Oregon is clearly the No. 1 team in the country.
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.
