The Oregon Ducks are fresh off a big ranked win over the Ohio State Buckeyes but must prepare for the upcoming challenge against Purdue.
The Boilermakers have been notably bad this season, firing the offensive coordinator just a handful of games into the season. On defense, Purdue has not been able to stop anyone and the team has displayed serious tackling issues as well. However, the Boilermakers are not necessarily a team the Ducks can take lightly despite the 29-point line.
Thus far into the season, the Boilermakers have one of the leading defensive units in total tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks in the Big Ten Conference. The Boilermakers have 14 sacks and over 30 tackles for loss this season despite allowing an incredible 39-points per game this season. Purdue may have fired the offensive coordinator, but the coach and the defensive coordinator should not be far behind.
With starting quarterback and Texas transfer Hudson Card set to miss his second-straight game against the Oregon Ducks, freshman quarterback Ryan Browne will start again.
Browne is a notable starter, not only because he is a freshman, but also due to the versatility that he offers the offense. Card is a big-armed, tough quarterback who will stand in the pocket, but the accuracy was not there this season. Browne, however, is a fast quarterback who can both take and avoid hits in the pocket.
Before facing the Oregon Ducks, Browne nearly led the Boilermakers to a massive upset win over the Illinois Fighting Illini. The Illini notably have a solid defense this season, but Browne managed to carve up the defense through the air for 297 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, Browne carried the ball 17 times for 118 yards displaying his versatility.
Had there been a better defense behind the young quarterback Browne against Illinois, and Purdue could be 2-4 before the Ducks game.
Can the Oregon Ducks Shutdown Dual-Threat Quarterback Ryan Browne?
While Browne has had success against Illinois, the chances of doing so against the Oregon Ducks is not quite as high.
The Ducks have shown a versatile defense of their own this season with the ability to shutdown teams over the top especially. The weak point of the defense has been up the middle, where the Oregon Ducks are currently dealing with an injury. Burch is dealing with a knee injury and coach Dan Lanning stated the staff is “evaluating him each day” ahead of the game.
Burch may not play against the Purdue Boilermakers, which could become a bigger issue than it may seem.
– Colorado WR Omarion Miller has season-ending surgery for leg injury
– Dan Lanning shares if he expects Oregon DE Jordan Burch back this season
– Buffs’ Travis Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr. expected to play vs. Arizonahttps://t.co/XCOnahwhZ1
— SuperWest Sports (@SuperWestSports) October 15, 2024
The Oregon Ducks defense has struggled against both the run and rushing quarterbacks as well this season. Without Burch, that issue could be exacerbated against the Purdue Boilermakers with Browne likely opting to run. With a tough pass defense, Browne and Purdue will try to commit to the run game and blast the Ducks up the middle.
Previously, Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles had success running against the Oregon Ducks defense. Chiles suffered a whopping five sacks behind a very poor offensive line, which dropped his rushing total for the game down to 29 yards. Chiles predominantly ran the ball on either side of the center and managed to reach full speed before hitting the linebackers often.
Browne does not have much better of an offensive line but he does have a losing, potential clean-house season on his side. There is not much left for Purdue to play for at the moment besides scoring points and executing plays. Browne and the Boilermakers are going to try and score no matter how badly they are being beaten.
If the Oregon Ducks do not take Browne seriously, the quarterback could potentially make the game much tighter than many originally believed.
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