What We Learned: Stanford at Oregon

Email to a friend Permalink

Monday, November 03, 2014

Jeffrey Martin, GoLocalPDX Contributor

University of Oregon Cheerleaders

There is nothing left to gross about. 

Oh, the pessimists will surely find something. But after dismantling Stanford, the team that has ruined the Ducks’ season the past two years, by nearly 30 points, can there be any reasonable questions remaining about this UO squad?

There is no challenge looming in the Pac-12 North, and likely none from the South. So, we turn our attention elsewhere, specifically nationally, because that’s where Oregon seems earmarked - for the College Football Playoff. 

Still bothered by the defense? Don’t be. It’s just good enough, and as Fox’s broadcast crew of Gus Johnson and Charles Davis noted, defensive coordinator Don Pellum is beginning to grow comfortable in his new role - and that comfort is showing in his unit on the field.

Injuries? Always a concern because they’re unpredictable. But they also come in bunches, and if that’s the case, haven’t the Ducks have already dealt with their fair share?

There is work left to be done, of course. A letdown from such a defining victory is possible, and with a road game at Utah - the Utes are dangerous in Salt Lake City - on deck, the timing isn’t ideal. 

But that’s picking nits, something a pessimist might do. Instead, let’s dwell on the abundance of positives, beginning with the re-emergence of a potent weapon. It seems...

Competition, improved health have brought out the best in Thomas Tyner.

Maybe the hype coming out of Aloha H.S. was too much. While the sophomore running back hasn’t been a disappointment by any means - Tyner ran for 711 yards and nine touchdowns as a freshman - his production hasn’t matched the noise surrounding his presence. 

Sidelined as of late due to injury, Tyner burst back onto the scene Saturday in an impressive way, running 10 times for 63 yards and two touchdowns. It was a decent statistical line, sure, but it was how he ran, how he looked. 

He had a burst, and he didn’t always look to bounce it outside. He ran hard between the tackles, finishing runs as well. Again, it was impressive, a clear sign that he has responded to the “threat” presented by standout freshman Royce Freeman positively - or at least he has on the field.

It’s embarrassing how much talent the Ducks have at running back, but that’s how it should be in this offense that has always been more about the run than the pass, anyway. Between Tyner, Freeman and running back-turned-wideout Byron Marshall, there’s a lot of yardage to be had. And that’s not even counting the all-world quarterback, who might be the best of the group. 

Speaking of whom...

Marcus Mariota is the best college football player on the planet. 

I know - hyperbole, much? 

We’ve discussed his talent, which will likely make him one of the first players selected in the 2015 NFL Draft. But to me, it’s his drive, his makeup that makes Mariota so special. 

Against Stanford, he wasn’t perfect, completing a little more than half of his passes and even tossing his second interception (!) of the season. But he ran, and when he ran, he was decisive.

He wasn’t going to allow the Ducks to lose. He wasn’t. You can just tell in the great ones - their competitive spirit permeates everything, everyone. 

The Cardinal didn’t have a chance. They’d gotten him twice already - there wouldn’t be a third. 

Related Articles

• Despite Ducks’ Win at UCLA, Helfrich Still Needs To Prove Himself
• What We Learned: Ducks Defeat Spartans
• What We Learned: Oregon Ducks Vs Washington State Cougars
• Glenn Parker: Importance of Ducks’ Win Over Spartans

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.

Email to a friend Permalink