Brady Quinn isn’t pulling any punches, straight up saying he has “huge concerns” about the Oregon Ducks’ defense, and honestly, who can blame him? After stumbling out of the gate with a squeaker past Boise State in Week 1 and then getting flat-out upset by Oklahoma State in Week 2, a dominant 84-0 blowout against Portland State in Week 3 doesn’t magically erase the red flags. With a massive road tilt against No. 12 USC coming Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET, the defense is under the microscope.
Lanning’s Defense Is Giving Up Way Too Much
Quinn hit it right on the head on “Big Noon Kickoff” when he pointed out that Oregon rolled into this season with eight returning starters on defense, their entire defensive front, and almost their whole secondary. That’s a group built for success, but the problem is they’re just giving up way too many yards and points when they play Power Four opponents. Seriously, when you ignore that Portland State cakewalk, this unit is letting up almost 165 rushing yards per game against Power Four teams. That’s not just a concern, that’s an alarm bell ringing! Quinn specifically called out a major lack of physicality against quality opponents. If Dan Lanning is building towards a national championship, which is the goal, you absolutely gotta play defense. Right now, they haven’t been physical enough, and they haven’t stopped the run against the better teams.
The stats don’t lie, either. Heading into this Saturday, Oregon’s defense ranked 10th in the Big Ten in opponent rushing yards with 110.7 per game, 12th in opponent total yards at 310.3 per game, 13th in opponent passing yards giving up 199.7 per game, and a dismal 14th in opponent points with 22.0 per game. The only real bright spot on that side of the ball has been linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei, who’s logged two sacks, a pick, and 10 combined tackles.
Can the Offense Carry the Load Against USC?
While the defense is struggling, the Ducks’ offense is absolutely cooking. This unit is ranked first in the Big Ten in points with 49.7 per game, third in passing yards with 340.0 per game, fourth in total yards at 506.0 per game, and eighth in rushing yards with 166.0 per game. Quarterback Dante Moore has been phenomenal, racking up 849 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a 182.0 passer rating while completing 68.5% of his passes. He’s got weapons too, with four receivers already over 100 yards: Evan Stewart (222), Dakorien Moore (192), Jeremiah McClellan (170), and Messiah Hampton (102). Plus, running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. have combined for 315 yards and five touchdowns.
“Dante Moore has played really well, and they ran the football really well last week,” “Big Noon Kickoff” analyst Matt Leinart said. He believes Oregon thinks they can go out and out-physical USC. If they want to make any kind of case for the Big Ten or a national championship, they’ve got to win this one. Oregon has actually won four straight against USC and six of the last seven meetings, so maybe history is on their side. Can their red-hot offense carry the day, or will the defense sink their chances against a tough opponent? We’re about to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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