Oregon Ducks Football: What We Learned from the Spring Game

For two hours on Saturday, Oregon Duck fans were able to gather inside of Autzen Stadium and be entertained by the football program. Fans came in record numbers and saw the Ducks pay tribute to the troops for the second year in a row with their spring game.  

Most fans took this as an opportunity to come out and see their team play for the first time since January, while others were able to take a look at not only what this season may have in store for the Ducks but also the future of the program. Here are some of the things learned from the Oregon Ducks' spring game.

Wide Receiver Could Be the Offense's Downfall

The first thing that became obvious is that the Ducks are lacking the ability to throw the ball vertically to a deep-threat receiver. Oregon has multiple receivers that can go over the middle or run intermediate routes but lack the ability to keep the secondary on their heels.  

On Saturday, Josh Huff did not participate in the game and it is apparent the Ducks will lean on him early in the season. If Huff can help balance out the receiver group and be a playmaker, it will allow for some of the JUCO players to step in and get up to speed come August and September.

Darron Thomas Is Stepping His Game Up

Regardless of who he was throwing to, Darron Thomas looked sharp as ever on Saturday. Thomas was making good reads and hitting on all of the throws that were available to him.  

While still early on in the year, it appears that Thomas is starting to improve on the read option but it is tough to tell in non-contact situations. Thomas will be one of the top play-makers in the nation once he is able to master that part of Coach Kelly's offense.

The Offensive Line Still Has Question Marks

Bigger then the issues at receiver appears to be the lack of chemistry on the offensive line. Oregon is attempting to replace three starters from the offensive line this year and are still searching for the right combination.  

It will be key for the Ducks to have their offensive line issues solved by September 3rd because if they allow LSU to push them around and get after Darron Thomas and LaMichael James in the backfield then it will be an awful way to start the season.

David Paulson Is Going to Have a Great Year

One player that could help with both issues on the line and at the receiver position will be David Paulson. Paulson is entering his senior season and is already in mid-season form. On Saturday, Paulson made some plays through the air including a nice grab and run, which included stiff arming Cliff Harris out of his way.  

Paulson not only has the ability to help out with run blocking but can also help his receivers get more room deep by being a threat over the middle.

LaMichael James Is in Midseason Form

From last year to this year, not much has changed for star running back LaMichael James. James had made the choice to return for his junior year and was already off and running on Saturday. In his limited carries, James got to the edge and was able to break off a 65 yard touchdown run.  

If the Ducks are able to find the right combination on the offensive line, this could be a record breaking season for James. 

The Defense Is as Fast as It Has Ever Been

Regardless of which squad you looked at, the Oregon Ducks have incredible speed on the defensive side of the ball. While they lack size at certain positions, the Ducks are able to fly to the ball and gang tackle the ball carrier.  

If Oregon is able to get solid play out of its defensive line, the Ducks secondary could prove to be a force throughout the year.

Bryan Bennett Has the Tools but Just Needs More Time

One thing that was obvious from Saturday's game is that Bryan Bennett is starting to get a firm grasp of the offense but still needs some time to be ready to take over. Bennett throws a great ball but was just a bit off on some big throws.  

The more time that Bennett is able to spend watching and learning from Darron Thomas, the better he will be in this offense. 

The Race for the Third Overall Back is Wide Open

For as much as we heard about through spring practice about the development of Lache Seastrunk, the race for third on the depth chart is still wide open. Seastrunk was underwhelming on Saturday and is still falling into the trap of being an east/west runner instead of putting his foot in the ground and picking up yards when there isn't much space.  

As summer camp draws near, Seastrunk and Ayele Forde will continue to battle it out. Fortunately for both of them, highly touted recruit De'Anthony Thomas has yet to arrive on campus.