Today I was reflecting on this upcoming matchup between the high powered offense of the Oregon Ducks versus the supposed high powered offense of the USC Trojans. Has anyone actually looked at the comparisons?
Total Offense National Ranks:
Rank Team Total Yards Yds Per Gm Pass Yds Pass Per Gm Rush Yds Rush Per Gm Total Pts Pts Per Gm
So those are the actual statistics of how they stack up. Oregon #2 in the country versus USC #14. Hmm and which defense has only given up a total of 23 points in the 2nd half all season? Of yah, that would be the Ducks as well.
As a coach who is constantly looking at stats and analyzing them, these certainly are huge numbers on paper in favor of another fright night for the Trojans, or if you prefer, another Trojan masacre by the Ducks. But, that is why they play the games.
I still think that the Ducks will prevail but here are a couple of things that I think must happen for the Ducks to win and win convincingly on Saturday in the Coliseum.
1) The Ducks must win the turnover battle. If the Ducks don't turn it over and can get 1 or more turnovers from the Trojans, which I believe they will, then our Quackers will blow out these Trojans. The Duck steamroller of an offense can't be stopped if they don't stop themselves.
2) The old mantra by the Trojans was "There is NO hole in our defense" - This year it is not so true! The "mighty" Trojans rank 60th in FBS this season while the Ducks rank 12th in points against defense. To say that the #1 offense in the country will have problems with the #60 defense is absolutely absurd. It just won't happen if the Ducks maintain ball possession.
3) Defense, just do what you do! If the defense does what it has done all year and that's tease opposing offenses that they are getting somewhere just to slam the door in their face once they near the goal line, especially in the 2nd half, then again, all points towards a big Duck victory. The defense is not getting much praise because of how amazing this offense is, but this defense is ranked 12th in points and has helped the Ducks to be top 5 in the nation in turnover margin. Again, Duck D, do what you do and you will allow your offense to win this game.
Well Duck fans, I know where I will be on Saturday evening, how about you? Should be a fun ride no matter what as our Ducks play another tough Pac-10 team on their way to the National Championship Game!
Go DUCKS!
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