Oregon Football: Grading the Ducks' 56-31 Win vs. Arizona

The Oregon Ducks did not have an easy test for their Pac-12 opener this season when they faced off against Arizona.  After a disappointing game against LSU, the Ducks wanted to prove they could beat a quality team.

It didn't take long for Oregon to remind people why it was in the national championship last season as it racked up points in bunches.

It seems as if the Ducks have once again found their groove, but not all is well for the Oregon football team.  As it heads into its bye week, here are the grades for the performances of every position on the Oregon team in its 56-31 victory at Arizona.

Quarterback

Darron Thomas has had some incredible games over the past couple weeks and now he finally looks like Oregon’s offensive leader.  Against Arizona Thomas did an outstanding job reading the defenses and making the correct decisions.

He did not throw the ball as much as he had in previous weeks, but that was largely due to the effectiveness of the Ducks’ rushing attack.

Although Thomas is a terrific talent, Oregon did not need him to play exceptionally to win Saturday.  It needed him to manage the game, which is actually where he is most effective.

If LaMichael James and company have found their groove, Thomas could have a pretty easy and successful season.

Grade: A-

Running Backs

Simply put, the Oregon running backs put on a clinic against Arizona in Tuscon.  LaMichael James rushed for a school-record 288 yards on just 23 carries.

What was most impressive about his performance is that James looked to have his burst back that enabled him to run for large gains and outrun the Arizona secondary.

James’ main backup, Kenjon Barner, played for the first time since the LSU game and racked up some solid yards of his own (72 rushing, six receiving) to go along with his three total touchdowns.  This meant less playing time for freshman standout DeAnthony Thomas, but all three guys should see the field plenty this season.

With the Pac-12 regular season underway it seems like the Oregon running backs are primed for another record-breaking season.

Grade: A+

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Because of the success of the Oregon running game, the Ducks receivers did not get very many touches.  When the Ducks did decide to air it out, the receivers and tight ends did a good job at finding the holes in the defense and getting open.

What was most impressive and important in the victory was the way the Oregon receivers blocked downfield.  Coach Chip Kelly has always stressed the importance of downfield blocking and it was on display against Arizona.

Although it may not be as sexy a catching a touchdown pass, blocking for LaMichael James and allowing him to get big runs make Oregon’s play-action pass attack even more lethal.

Grade: B+

Offensive Line

Coming into the 2011 season there were a lot of questions surrounding Oregon’s offensive line.  Until the Ducks flew south to take on the Wildcats, many of those questions still existed.

After the Ducks rushed for 415 yards against Arizona, I think it is pretty clear the offensive line can handle a Pac-12 defensive line.  Oregon finally was able to open up big holes for its running backs to hit, which resulted in some big runs.

Although they may not be household names, the Oregon offensive linemen are talented, intelligent and should only get better as the season progresses.

Grade: A

Defensive Line

After getting just three sacks in their first three games, the Oregon defense stepped it up against Arizona.  Defensive end Dion Jordan got two big sacks while his counterpart Terrell Turner got one of his own.

For the first time all season, the Oregon defensive line did not lose the battle in the trenches and was able to hold its own.  The only disclaimer is that Arizona’s offensive line is very young and inexperienced.

Although the Ducks defensive line did a good job this week, it wasn’t against the type of line thatit will see from Stanford and USC

Grade: B+ 

Linebackers

Last season the Oregon linebackers were the biggest strength of a very good defense, but this year they have been the team’s biggest weakness.  They have looked tentative at times and will often hit the wrong hole when they do play aggressively.

With that said, the unit did get two sacks from Dewitt Stuckey and Josh Kaddu.  This season Kaddu has had to step up big time, as the only returning starter at the position, and could really use Michael Clay by his side.

As the season goes on and more guys get playing time the linebacker unit should improve, but nothing is guaranteed.  A bye week could be just what the doctor ordered for Oregon’s big hitters.

Grade: B-

Secondary

It is never easy to play against a gifted quarterback like Nick Foles, but all things considered, the Oregon secondary did a fair job.  The Ducks kept him in check early in the game, but Foles got into a rhythm when his team was down 35-3.

Foles then went on to have three consecutive scoring drives to bring the Wildcats back in reach.  Fortunately for the Ducks, their offense had their back and would not let the score any closer.

Had the Oregon defensive backs not given up so many big plays, the game could’ve been a blowout.

Grade: B-

Special Teams

Ever since Oregon’s game against LSU, the Ducks special teams has been as solid as ever.  The Ducks have been able to use special teams to win the field position battle, which will be crucial against teams like Stanford.

Punter Jackson Rice has a tremendous leg and got one of his punts inside the Arizona 20-yard line.  Sophomore kicker Alejandro Maldonado is still perfect on extra points but has yet to attempt a field goal since stepping in for Rob Beard.

As usual, LaMichael James had an electrifying punt return, but personally I hope Cliff Harris can retake that spot in the coming weeks.

Grade: B+

Coaching

Heading into the Arizona game, the Oregon coaching staff knew exactly what they needed to do to beat the Wildcats in the desert.  They had to run the ball.

I think it is safe to say the Ducks ran the ball pretty effectively.  As Oregon’s schedule ramps up it will be important that it can continue to have a dominant rushing attack if it wants to win the first Pac-12 Championship.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Ducks did their best to contain Nick Foles, who still managed to put up good numbers in the loss.  What was most impressive was how the Ducks’ front seven was able to shut down Arizona’s running backs, who combined to average four yards per carry.

Earlier in the season the Ducks could not stop the run regardless of the opponent, so it was good to see that Oregon’s defense can handle Pac-12 offenses.

Grade: A