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Oregon Ducks vs Arizona State: Three Things I'll Be Watching
It should be a good day for the Oregon Ducks Running Game and Justin Herbert will continue to progress.
Oct 21, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) carries the ball against California Golden Bears wide receiver Melquise Stovall (1) during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Oregon Ducks will look to the Offense on Saturday against Arizona State. Quarterback Justin Herbert has grown into the position in just two games with the Ducks. Last weekend at Cal he threw for a Marcus Mariota-like six touchdowns, but a costly interception sent the team to their fifth straight loss. Mark Helfrich will again look to pick-up the pieces to earn the first Pac-12 win of the season on Saturday against the Sundevils.
Arizona State boasts the top Rush Defense in the Pac-12, allowing just under 100 yards per game on the ground. Oregon, despite the losing streak has the top ranked Rushing Attack in the Conference this season. Keys to the game begin with the Run Game for the Oregon Ducks, regardless of who starts.
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Running Back Royce Freeman has not had a Royce Freeman type season. Injuries have plagued the Oregon Running Back and the Ducks Rushing Attack through the first part of the season. Freeman went out against Nebraska missed a game against Colorado, but did not seem 100 percent in returning against Washington several weeks ago. In Practice this week, Offensive Coordinator Matt Lubick said he was near 100 percent.
We can hope Freeman will have a better game than last week vs Cal. He had 15 carries for 10 yards against the Golden Bears who were able to get through the young Oregon Offensive Line in all areas that Freeman tried to attack. The edge was especially a bad place to go. Oregon was outmatched up front and could not get a push against Cal to give Freeman room to roam.
To be successful on Saturday, the Oregon Rushing Attack needs to get established early and used often. Tony Brooks-James needs a big day and is capable of one. He has led the unit this season when Freeman has been absent and his experience in the backfield is building confidence with every play it seems.
Oct 21, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks for an open receiver against the California Golden Bears during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Freshman Quarterback Justin Herbert has shown he can run the Oregon Ducks Offense. In just two games you can see the giant step he has taken from the loss against Washington to a near win against Cal on the road. His six touchdowns against the Golden Bears tied for most Touchdowns in Oregon History with the likes of Marcus Mariota, Dennis Dixon and Danny O’Neill.
Arizona State will do their best to get to Herbert, who can’t panic in the pocket and needs to go through his progressions. Tempo established early by the Oregon Ducks can help for the team to set the tone for the game and ultimately assist their young Quarterback to manage what he sees through the game.
The Oregon Offensive Line has grown as the season has progressed. The team made strides in the loss last weekend at Cal and needs to get a good push off the line on Saturday against ASU to find success.
The Oregon Ducks Special Teams unit is ready for a breakout game. Wide Receiver Charles Nelson will have opportunities to exploit Arizona State in the punt and kick return game. Matt Wogan has been the rock of the unit time after time kicking for opponent’s touchbacks into and in most cases through the endzone setting the tone for field position.
Darren Carrington could also see the ball in the return game. Oregon has not utilized Carrington recently. Last week he had one catch and was targeted just five times against the California Golden Bears. The Ducks have the talent on Offense and Special teams to have a breakthrough game, and for Homecoming it could be the jolt this team needs as they push for a bowl game.
The Oregon Ducks need to win four of their last five games to become bowl eligible.
The Oregon Ducks and Arizona State Sundevils kickoff at 2pm Pacific Time on Pac-12 Network.
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