Report Card: Ducks play a near complete game against Colorado
It was expected, but not quite like that.
Oregon came into the Colorado game as 21-point favorites and not only did the Ducks cover, they played perhaps the most complete game in the Dan Lanning Era. Oregon wasn’t just good. It was great in nearly every phase of the game in the 42-6 rout that could have been worse.
The Buffaloes’ offensive and defensive line were no match for the Ducks. They sacked Shedeur Sanders seven times. They held Colorado off the scoreboard for nearly 58 minutes. The offense went up and down the field at will in the first half to take a 35-0 lead.
This is what we’ve all wanted to see since Lanning arrived. Now let’s do it again.
Here’s the happy report card from yesterday’s Pac-12 opener.
Quarterback
Grade: A-
Bo Nix wasn’t perfect. He had an interception. But considering how well the defense is playing, Oregon will take this every single game. Nix was 28-of-33 for 278 yards and three touchdowns. That’s a winning formula all day.
Running Backs
Grade: A
Bucky Irving was hard to take down. Noah Whittington slashed his way through the Colorado defense before going down to an injury and Jordan James scored again. They combined for 188 yards and two touchdowns.
Offensive Line
Grade: A
The offensive line is getting better and better and turning into something special. Nix was sacked one time, but they opened huge holes for the running backs and pushed the Buffaloes around. Penalties continue to be a problem, however, but getting better.
Receivers/Tight Ends
Grade: A+
What else can be said about Troy Franklin, Tez Johnson and the rest of this crew? They showed out. Yes, defensive back Travis Hunter was out, but the Ducks can only compete with those who are out there. Franklin had his third straight 100-yard game, gaining 126 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensive Line
Grade: A+
Shedeur Sanders may have been sacked again. The Ducks were in his face all day and sacked him seven times. They didn’t have to worry about the non-existent run game, so they had Sanders continually in their sights.
Linebackers
Grade: B
Perhaps a B grade is unfair, no one really stuck out. That might be a good thing as the unit is playing together as one. Connor Soelle might have earned more playing time, leading the way with six tackles.
Secondary
Grade: A+
Again, no Hunter, but Oregon can’t help that. Colorado has other weapons to throw to and they were completely shut down. It’s not often a defensive back is in the backfield, but Evan Williams had 1.5 sacks. Tysheem Johnson had four tackles. The open-field tackling was outstanding.
Special Teams
Grade: A+
The special teams were highlighted by the funt punt to Casey Rogers on the Oregon 17-yard line. It wasn’t quite Michael Clay in 2010 at Oregon State, but the 18-yard jaunt by the 305-pounder was plenty good enough.
Camden Lewis made all four extra points.
