Oregon Ducks

Oregon Ducks vs Washington State: Three Things I'll Be Watching

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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It is a season of progress for the Oregon Ducks and cutting out penalties and Offensive execution will be a big part of getting a win at Washington State.

The Oregon Ducks are a few plays from starting the season 4-0, but execution hurt the team against both Nebraska and Colorado. It will be a big step for the Oregon Defense to defend the Washington State Offense, but that is part of the task this weekend. As the team moves forward through the season, they are looking better Defensively as they figure out the nuances of the newly installed 4-3 Defense.

This will also be the first road game for Freshman Troy Dye who has had a phenomenal season so far for the Oregon Ducks with multiple sacks, tackles for a loss, and even a blocked kick.  The Defense is where I will begin. It may be a matter of timing, and picking off a ball or two. Offensively, Oregon will have back two big weapons in Running Back Royce Freeman and Tight End Pharoah Brown.

Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) throws a pass against the Eastern Washington Eagles during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Over the first four games, the stops on Defense were there for the most part. There were several missed opportunities in Nebraska where a stop could have made a big difference. It comes down to experience. One man out of position can mean either an eight yard loss, or a thirty yard gain for the opposition as Head Coach Mark Helfrich explained earlier this week.

The Oregon Defense needs to get the push off the line against the Washington State Offense and put continuous pressure on Quarterback Luke Falk. The Cougars are already somewhat one dimensional with their Offense. Their Starting Running Back has less than 400 yards on the ground this season.

If the Oregon Secondary can stay active and out of Pass Interference calls and get an interception or two to swing the momentum, it could make a big difference not only in the outcome, but in the confidence of the Defense as a whole. Speaking of Confidence, the Offense has been building with it all season.

Sep 17, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dakota Prukop (9) hands off to running back Tony Brook-James (20) during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Executing plays has been a problem all season for the Oregon Offense. In part due to a young Offensive Line, others by penalties. Prukop has done well so far throwing the ball every which way to about every receiver possible. He is just two plays from having the Ducks at 4-0. This week he will welcome back some weapons.

Running Back Royce Freeman and Tight End Pharoah Brown should add a boost to the Oregon Offense. Prukop is not the kind of guy to dwell on the past, but I am sure he wants to get the ‘Losing’ taste out of his mouth and get the Oregon Ducks back on the winning track. The Offensive Line will be tested on Saturday night and giving time to Prukop to throw rather than run should be a big key. We know he can run, but I don’t see that as an asset necessarily.

The bigger threat is his arm, and he knows that. He spoke about the Ducks weapons on Offense after the Virginia game. Getting the ball into the hands of Dwayne Stanford and Charles Nelson could extend plays, but they need to cut out the drive killing penalties and stay out of third and long situations.

Sep 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) throws a pass against the Stanford Cardinal during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

They won’t. Last night the Washington Huskies had one of their best Offensive Performances in a very long time in a 44-6 drubbing of a higher ranked Stanford team that had a Secondary of young talent without much experience. Advantage Washington. Not only did the Offense fire on all cylinders with Quarterback Luke Falk, but the Defense saw eight sacks, two forced fumbles and nine tackles for loss.

Washington comes to Autzen Stadium next week and will likely be a Top 5 ranked team in their showdown with the Oregon Ducks in what is now the Pac-12 Game of the Year – at least if your Oregon. The Pac-12 North is still not too far of a reach with one Conference loss. Oregon needs to beat the Cougars first. Beating the Washington schools should give Oregon enough confidence the rest of the way, but there isn’t a Pac-12 team not capable of putting up the points.

Everyone else in the Conference has finally caught up with Oregon, which means innovation and execution on both sides of the ball will be key the rest of the way.

The National scene is loaded with good games this week. Lamar Jackson takes his talent on the road to Clemson. The Big Ten will also have a battle between two ground and pound teams in Michigan and Wisconsin. In the Pac-12, the Utah Utes battle a young but talented Cal Bears team that have shown this season they can put up the points.

Autzen Zoo will have Live Coverage of the game at Washington State starting at 6pm Pacific Time. Kickoff between the Oregon Ducks and Washington State Cougars is set for 6:30pm on Pac-12 Network.

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