Oregon Ducks

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

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

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Discipline and Offensive consistency will  be the keys on Saturday between the Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies.

We have talked about the Oregon Deficiencies on Defense since the start of the season. However, closing the gap may not be so easy against the top Defenses in the Pac-12 Conference. The game for some has already been decided in favor of the Huskies. Some have already written the ‘Streak Has Broken’ headline,but coaches and players for Oregon believe they will muster enough from themselves to keep the streak alive.

There are some key things that need to happen on Saturday afternoon for Oregon and they need to happen without mistakes, yellow flags have cost Oregon yards and games this season. Without the refs help, the Ducks could be a one-loss team entering this matchup rather than a team with three straight losses. The first two spots I will be watching are on Offense.

Oct 1, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Charles Nelson (6) returns a kick for a touchdown against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 51-33. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Games are won and lost in the trenches and an Offensive Line built for the future is what the Oregon Ducks bring to the table. The Ducks have started four Freshman on the line this season and have had mixed results when it mattered most. Breakdowns and penalties have cost Oregon in 2016, due in part to the youth factor and inexperience. Patience will payoff. They will take their lumps this season and likely be one of the top Offensive Lines in the Pac-12 next season.

On the other side, the Washington Defensive Line will impose their will on Oregon. Last weekend the Huskies took down Stanford’s Quarterback eight times and multiple hurries. Their takeaways in 2016 have amounted to 52 points and the Defense has allowed an average of 12 points per game. An early run game established by Oregon should help the Offense, but it won’t be easy.

Oct 1, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 51-33. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Last week, Stanford and Christian McCaffrey were held to under 50 yards. The Cardinal’s Star Tailback watched his team get rolled over 44-6 while Washington rose into the Top 5 of the National polls.

The Oregon Ducks Offensive Line not only needs to protect the Quarterback, be it Eugene Native Justin Herbert or Dakota Prukop, but also make some space inside for balance. The Ducks have a solid variety of Running Backs for their attack on the ground which should provide a good mix and enough talent to keep Washington off balance for a big play or two. It starts with Royce Freeman.

Freeman was an early season candidate for the Heisman, but has fallen out of the race from an injury that kept him sidelined through most of the Nebraska game and against Colorado. The Oregon Running Back is climbing his way up the Pac-12 and U of O History lists for yards carried. I’m sure with a solid performance he will make it up another notch or two. Oregon’s All-Time leading rusher, LaMichael James is in town. I expect his introduction on Saturday to help energize the crowd.

Sep 24, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Troy Dye (35) and Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Steven Montez (12) fight for the ball in the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

The Oregon Ducks most experienced Linebacker Johnny Ragin left on a cart against Washington State with a large cast. This week he was seen with a boot and smaller cast and is expected to miss the rest of the season. The Ducks will have Freshman Troy Dye back in the middle. The Defense need to play disciplined and stay in their lanes against Washington.

If the Ducks can land a few big plays and be in the right place at the right time and help the Oregon Offense, it could be the making of an ESPN Classic, or even better the making of another Legend making moment for an Oregon Athlete. Right now, a ‘Kenny Wheaton’ moment may not save the season. It will give an identity to a Defense that right now lacks not just an identity but a proven playmaker.

Stepping up on Saturday for Oregon is not just a matter of Pride, but a Requirement. The Seniors on the team have passed down from several generations of Duck Football what appears to be a tradition that may end. Beating Washington has been a right of passage for 12 straight seasons. Stepping Up may not be enough against this talented Cougars team, but Oregon needs their best foot forward and play disciplined football.

There is plenty of football left to play. As we begin to look toward possible bowl matchups and the College Football Playoff some teams are looking for big upsets along the way. The Pac-12 will see Washington State and Stanford battle after dark.

Autzen Zoo will have Live Coverage starting at 3:30pm Pacific Time. Kickoff between the Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies is set for 4:30pm on FOX.

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