Ducks Leave Both Friend and Foes Wondering..............

In the last month of Oregon's 2008 football season, they left their fan base and opponents speechless with their offensive efficiency when they averaged over 50 points per game, racked up big yardage on the ground (again leading the Pac 10 in rushing) and moved the ball at will.    With their first game of 2009 they again left their fan base speechless as they went 3 and out in their first six possessions and having the ball for only six minutes in the entire first half.    The fact that they were down 13-0 at half was a testament to their improved defense who were able to hold Boise State at bay with their backs on the goal line most of the first half.    The bottom line is the only punch Oregon showed the entire night on offense came in the form of a post game right cross from LeGarrette Blount to Boise State defensive lineman Brady Hout, which will almost certainly result in a suspension from the NCAA.   In a game where the fan message boards were loaded with trash talk for the past six months, the Ducks barely mustered a wimper into the microphone when they had their chance to back up the chatter.

Coming into the season, Oregon was very excited about their skill positions but a little wary of both the offensive and defensive lines.    The defensive line in general did a pretty good job for the Ducks.    Their speed on defense, which is exceptional, was tempered by poor angles taken by linebackers and defensive backs that allowed Boise RB's to break off a few long runs.   But, generally, the defense played pretty solid overall for the night.   Consider these stats..........Boise had the ball for over 42 minutes, they ran 89 plays to Oregon's 44 and the Oregon defense caused three fumbles inside the Boise State 40 yard line of which Oregon's anemic offense scored exactly zero points off of.    Frankly, Boise State actually gave Oregon multiple opportunities to make it a game after Oregon scored on a Masoli run to make it 19-8 towards the back half of the 3rd quarter.  But, the offensive line who replaced three NFL players looked horrifically out of sync as Boise State was able to penetrate time and time again to stuff Oregon's zone read offense that gave defensive coordinators in the Pac 10 fits last year.   If you had told anyone in the Oregon camp that they would hold Boise State to 19 points they would have told you they were going to win by 20,

But, Oregon rushing 17 times for a grand total of 31 yards was easily the upset of the night.     The first down total in the first half was 15-0 in favor of Boise State and when it was said and done Oregon went 1 for 10 in 3rd down conversions.   Simply put, you can't win on the road against a quality opponent when you can't even get a single first down until midway through the 3rd quarter.   In the 13 possessions Oregon had, 8 ended in three and outs, one resulted in a Boise State safety on the first play, two were ended by turnovers, one ended in a non-conversion on 4th down where wisdom would say kick a field goal and then there was the one piddly touchdown that gave the Oregon faithful hope.  But the next three possessions resulted in two turnovers and a turnover by downs, effectively ending any chance Oregon would have of getting back in the game.  By the time the chant "over-rated" rang down with three minutes to go, anyone who had watched already knew that there was no question that Oregon was not ready for the challenge of playing in what was called "the biggest sports event in state history."

Where they go from here is incredibly hard to contemplate.    With the next four at home, it is plausible that the ship can be righted.    But Purdue comes to Eugene next followed by Top 25 opponents Utah and California.    The pollsters will probably leave the Ducks in the top 25, but it is readily apparent that unless they get better play from their offensive line they are destined to 7-5, 8-4 in 2009 which is a far cry from some preseason prognosticators who labeled the Ducks a dark horse Rose Bowl contender.

There is an abundance of talent on the Oregon roster but the continuity of their operation was in serious question from the word go Thursday night begging the question, "can we get Mike Bellotti back?"   There is a learning curve to be had by Chip Kelly and that was readily apparent when he elected to go for it on 4th and 1 when conventional wisdom said to kick a  FG and make it a one score game.

As you look into the crystal ball, you have to believe that Purdue is a win for the Ducks.   But after that they will have their hands full with ranked opponents coming to Autzen the next two weeks afterwards.    Gameday reportedly had three different weekends booked in Eugene in anticipation of big matchups with Utah, California, and USC.   One can only assume that a phone call has been made to give up that block of rooms for Utah at least, and maybe California too.   Can they turn it around?    Sure...........but there is major homework to be done and since classes don't start in Eugene until end of September there is plenty of homework assignments to complete before the Ducks get into Pac 10 play.