Oregon's offense

[Pennsyhusker]

So a lot of people are writing us off for this game because our defense was shaky and Oregon scored 77 points.

Color me unimpressed. What people tend to do all the damn time is inflate the importance of these early games against absolute cupcake teams like Southern Utah. Even betters and so-called journalists buy into the hype after a big win against a horrible team. In reality, games like that tell you NOTHING whatsoever of significance about how good a team is. If there is one thing I have learned in my 49 years of following college football it is that a team can score 77 against a Southern Utah one week but then get shut down entirely the next week when they finally play someone decent. And then everyone is shocked.

Remember Nebraska scoring 57 points or so against Nevada in 2007's opener? Then we go to Wake Forest and almost lose with our offense looking like the keystone cops.

We may damn well lose this week. Still growing up on defense. But I think we will win. Oregon's "big win" doesn't scare me in the slightest. Oregon scares me because they are Oregon and they have athletes. Not because they hung 77 on a junior high team

 

[8675309husker]

Agree!

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

Oregon does have a good offense. I think Diaco will have a different game plan, see the post from JFlores with RKay's analysis. I believe the game will be closer than the "experts" are predicting. Teams get up for big games and Oregon's defense has been subpar for a while. That doesn't get fixed overnight either.

Looking at a score similar to last year maybe lower scoring, I think Riley tries to rely on the run game and keep the ball away from Oregon by eating clock and limiting possessions.

 

[SWIowahawks]

I'm not sure people are on Oregon's side because they scored 77 points. They are on Oregon's side because they are Oregon, which is what you said in your last statement. Heck, they were what, 4-8 last year and still scored 32 points in Lincoln without their stud RB.

They "only" scored 53 against the same level competition last year in the opener. 77 may be an indicator that the offense is a lot better than last year. Best defense wins.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Oregon does have a good offense. I think Diaco will have a different game plan, see the post from JFlores with RKay's analysis. I believe the game will be closer than the "experts" are predicting. Teams get up for big games and Oregon's defense has been subpar for a while. That doesn't get fixed overnight either.

Looking at a score similar to last year maybe lower scoring, I think Riley tries to rely on the run game and keep the ball away from Oregon by eating clock and limiting possessions.

Excellent analysis I think. I too see a game similar to last year. Do we see the return of Ozigbo as a hammer like last year? If we can get our running game going I think we have a great shot at winning.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

I'm not sure people are on Oregon's side because they scored 77 points. They are on Oregon's side because they are Oregon, which is what you said in your last statement. Heck, they were what, 4-8 last year and still scored 32 points in Lincoln without their stud RB.

They "only" scored 53 against the same level competition last year in the opener. 77 may be an indicator that the offense is a lot better than last year. Best defense wins.

Agreed. But I think the point spread ballooning to 14 is a reaction to them scoring 77. And that is stupid

 

[ridge22]

Coach Riley's team have for the most part gotten off to really slow starts in the first game of the season. At Oregon State they had some really bad losses to Sacramento St and Eastern Washington, and some close calls vs some other FCS teams, so to me that is why the Ark State game was not really that big of a surprise.

With that said, Oregon did what they were suppose to do to an inferior opponent. Don't discount it because it was the little sisters of the poor they played. Taggert as a new coach wants to set an example of stomping teams down and with they athletes they have, Oregon has the ability to do that. For Nebraska to win they will have to make some really large strides this week. Looking at how some of the teams in the top 20 or so played last week, Nebraska has a ways to go to get there. I think they can, but I can also see a real struggle bus ride this week if things get sideways early.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

I'm not sure people are on Oregon's side because they scored 77 points. They are on Oregon's side because they are Oregon, which is what you said in your last statement. Heck, they were what, 4-8 last year and still scored 32 points in Lincoln without their stud RB.

They "only" scored 53 against the same level competition last year in the opener. 77 may be an indicator that the offense is a lot better than last year. Best defense wins.

On second thought, I don't agree. Remind me again who won last year in Lincoln? Oh yeah... we did. As good as their offense was against us last year, ours was better. Their defense was not strong last year and it showed signs of not being strong again this year. And our offense put up some good points against a scrappy Arkansas State defense. So why all the love for Oregon?? Why is it just assumed that they are better on defense this year? Why just assume our offense won't put up big points against them like we did last year? And don't they have an all new coaching staff?

Yes, they are Oregon. They have athletes. But we have a great shot at winning.

 

[Huskercigar]

So a lot of people are writing us off for this game because our defense was shaky and Oregon scored 77 points.

Remember Nebraska scoring 57 points or so against Nevada in 2007's opener? Then we go to Wake Forest and almost lose with our offense looking like the keystone cops.

Maybe that is what they are expecting instead of Oregon being so great.

 

[SWIowahawks]

On second thought, I don't agree. Remind me again who won last year in Lincoln? Oh yeah... we did. As good as their offense was against us last year, ours was better. Their defense was not strong last year and it showed signs of not being strong again this year. And our offense put up some good points against a scrappy Arkansas State defense. So why all the love for Oregon?? Why is it just assumed that they are better on defense this year? Why just assume our offense won't put up big points against them like we did last year? And don't they have an all new coaching staff?

Yes, they are Oregon. They have athletes. But we have a great shot at winning.

I have no idea on Oregon's defense but Nebraska's defense looked worse? Albeit one game. Oregon's offense looked better than expected? Albeit one game. Tommy saved Nebraska last year with his legs if I remember correctly. Tre Bryant being questionable could be playing a factor? Plus the game is in Eugene which isn't an easy place to play, especially for a team from the Midwest.

I don't think Nebraska has a "great" chance of winning. I think they have a mediocre chance of keeping it within 10.

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

So you were expecting Southern Utah to put up more yards and points against Oregon than they did?

As far as playing in the pacific northwest, exactly what elements are there that make it a difficult place to play for a midwest team?

 

[Pennsyhusker]

I have no idea on Oregon's defense but Nebraska's defense looked worse? Albeit one game. Oregon's offense looked better than expected? Albeit one game. Tommy saved Nebraska last year with his legs if I remember correctly. Tre Bryant being questionable could be playing a factor? Plus the game is in Eugene which isn't an easy place to play, especially for a team from the Midwest.

I don't think Nebraska has a "great" chance of winning. I think they have a mediocre chance of keeping it within 10.

We have good running backs besides Bryant, including the one who ripped Oregon a new one last year. Yes Eugene is a tough venue, but so are a lot of places we have played. Not like our kids will be all starry eyed. And yes, Oregon looked good in their opening game. So what? Read my opening comments on how meaningless such games are. Maybe you disagree with that? I don't care. You would be wrong then.
Armstrong had a good game last year. He did not "save us with his legs". He executed the offensive game plan which included his talents as a runner. But he was a sketchy passer and could not throw screens and touch passes to the backs. Lee can. Our offense looked solid last week. Certainly better than Iowa's. Irrelevant to the discussion but wanted to get that in.
We will be lucky to stay within 10? Again... based on what? One game? Please

 

[jflores]

Them putting NU at +14 has more to do with them trying to get folks to bet NU at a given line and balance out the other side of the sheet. Most folks looking around the country week 1 have been looking at 77 and throwing down for UO.

Vegas isn't in the habit of providing impartial analysis, they are trying to balance books. I wouldn't be surprised to see NU win, or get blown out for that matter. The big unknown.

 

[jflores]

So you were expecting Southern Utah to put up more yards and points against Oregon than they did?

As far as playing in the pacific northwest, exactly what elements are there that make it a difficult place to play for a midwest team?

Iowa struggles West of Denver. Its a trope on their board that they basically need to refuse playing games west of CST.

NU hasn't done historically all that bad out West. Even T-Mart almost beat UCLA in their own house.

 

[StrongArm517]

Looked at the box score and saw that So Utah had nearly 400 yards on the Ducks.

 

[ridge22]

On second thought, I don't agree. Remind me again who won last year in Lincoln? Oh yeah... we did. As good as their offense was against us last year, ours was better. Their defense was not strong last year and it showed signs of not being strong again this year. And our offense put up some good points against a scrappy Arkansas State defense. So why all the love for Oregon?? Why is it just assumed that they are better on defense this year? Why just assume our offense won't put up big points against them like we did last year? And don't they have an all new coaching staff?

Yes, they are Oregon. They have athletes. But we have a great shot at winning.

Actually they out yarded us by over 50 yards. Our defense was good enough on all of their two point tries. That was the difference in the game. But yes Nebraska won so that is the only stat that matters W's & L's.

 

[SWIowahawks]

We have good running backs besides Bryant, including the one who ripped Oregon a new one last year. Yes Eugene is a tough venue, but so are a lot of places we have played. Not like our kids will be all starry eyed. And yes, Oregon looked good in their opening game. So what? Read my opening comments on how meaningless such games are. Maybe you disagree with that? I don't care. You would be wrong then.
Armstrong had a good game last year. He did not "save us with his legs". He executed the offensive game plan which included his talents as a runner. But he was a sketchy passer and could not throw screens and touch passes to the backs. Lee can. Our offense looked solid last week. Certainly better than Iowa's. Irrelevant to the discussion but wanted to get that in.
We will be lucky to stay within 10? Again... based on what? One game? Please

Iowa's offense has nothing to do with Oregon. Lol. (I was happy with it, and more than happy with it after watching it a second time).

I gave my opinion and will be here Saturday evening if I'm wrong or right. If I'm right, I won't post because it's poor sportsmanship to pile on a board that will be in meltdown mode. If Nebraska sticks to within 10, I'll find you and admit I was wrong. Have a good week.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Iowa's offense has nothing to do with Oregon. Lol. (I was happy with it, and more than happy with it after watching it a second time).

I gave my opinion and will be here Saturday evening if I'm wrong or right. If I'm right, I won't post because it's poor sportsmanship to pile on a board that will be in meltdown mode. If Nebraska sticks to within 10, I'll find you and admit I was wrong. Have a good week.

You too.

 

[jflores]

For whatever the coaches poll is worth, they haven't fanboi'd Oregon into the stratosphere. I thought I saw they were at 31 and we were at 34.

 

[nebcountry]

We will score points. They will score points. A Riley offense is not geared to put massive points on the board. Can we put 40+ on Oregon, seems reasonable to me, but I wouldn't expect it. I'd guess we'll score in the 30's, just a guess. Pick up some ST or D points, and I can see 40's.

The question I have, if we protect over the top but allow space for Oregon's players underneath/in the flat, can we do a great job tackling in space? I can remember a few plays against ArkSt that were good and bad tackling wise. I'm not expecting Diaco to pull a rabbit out of the hat, more WYSIWYG with maybe slight variations.

Oregon likes to run the ball though. And I like the idea of us somewhat limiting their run game over our LB's providing pass coverage against some elite players.

Unless we completely hemorrhage in pass protection, I'm thinking it will be a close game.

 

[jflores]

We will score points. They will score points. A Riley offense is not geared to put massive points on the board. Can we put 40+ on Oregon, seems reasonable to me, but I wouldn't expect it. I'd guess we'll score in the 30's, just a guess. Pick up some ST or D points, and I can see 40's.

The question I have, if we protect over the top but allow space for Oregon's players underneath/in the flat, can we do a great job tackling in space? I can remember a few plays against ArkSt that were good and bad tackling wise. I'm not expecting Diaco to pull a rabbit out of the hat, more WYSIWYG with maybe slight variations.

Oregon likes to run the ball though. And I like the idea of us somewhat limiting their run game over our LB's providing pass coverage against some elite players.

Unless we completely hemorrhage in pass protection, I'm thinking it will be a close game.

Agree. I think this is really the big question. Our outside personnel are a little better suited to play downhill than "basketball on grass", but Oregon has enough firepower in their personnel groupings to make us pay for sitting in nickel all night (giving up down for down run D with Reed on the field) or if we sit more in base to combat the run game.

Given the emphasis Diaco put on how well Taggarts team run the ball, I'm assuming he's going to prioritize defending the run.

 

[Wasker77]

The Northwest has been inundated with smoke. Hopefully it will be better in Eugene this Saturday. The weather is suppose to cool off towards the weekend here in Eastern Washington. Our air quality index was 302 today. Which means you could pretty much eat the air.

Just checked Eugene's current air quality. Fires are bad again this summer

Air Quality Index (AQI)
observed at 10:00 PDT
153
Unhealthy
Health Message: People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Note: Values above 500 are considered Beyond the AQI. Follow recommendations for the Hazardous category. Additional information on reducing exposure to extremely high levels of particle pollution is available here.

 

[Morgan747]

I think Riley tries to rely on the run game and keep the ball away from Oregon by eating clock and limiting possessions.

I really believe Langsdorf does not know how to do this! He wants to throw the ball way too much. He's too sweet on the passing game.

 

[Morgan747]

Excellent analysis I think. I too see a game similar to last year. Do we see the return of Ozigbo as a hammer like last year? If we can get our running game going I think we have a great shot at winning.

Ozigbo doesn't play because he can't protect the QB from getting killed. The same goes for Wilbon.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Ozigbo doesn't play because he can't protect the QB from getting killed. The same goes for Wilbon.

I know. Too bad. Because he is a solid running back

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

Last year Oregon's head bozo thought they were to good to kick extra points. If they fix that mindset, they're already a better team than they were last year

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

I really believe Langsdorf does not know how to do this! He wants to throw the ball way too much. He's too sweet on the passing game.

38 for 225 and 2 TDs says he will run the ball.

 

[Morgan747]

38 for 225 and 2 TDs says he will run the ball.

Whatever!