The Oregon Ducks have begun the season 1-0 during an interesting game that saw the offense struggle at times against an easier opponent.
In their first game as a representative of the Big Ten Conference, the Ducks scored 24 points against an inspired Idaho Vandals defense. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel shined through the air but failed to turn it into points multiple times. The Ducks will have to go back to the drawing board and look to correct their offense ahead of their clash against the Boise State Broncos.
Oregon Ducks Defeat Idaho Vandals, 24-14, Behind Strong Running Game
The Oregon football team kicked off their game against the Idaho Vandals with a big touchdown drive that spanned 71 yards and 11 plays. The Ducks finished the drive off with a touchdown pass from Dillon Gabriel to wide receiver Tez Johnson. Johnson would go on to have a great game, recording 12 receptions for 81 yards and a second touchdown.
The Ducks were not able to truly open up their offense against the Vandals, however, as they would score just three touchdowns. Oregon had three punts, two turnovers on downs, a missed field goal, and a lost fumble by Dillon Gabriel. The Ducks were able to drive down the field with ease time and time again, but could not execute at the last moment.
Perhaps the biggest bright spot on the day was the run game as running back Jordan James recorded 95 yards on the ground as well as a touchdown. The running back was confident and hit the hole when the ball was handed off to him. James looked dynamic against the Vandals and could be flashing a sign of what is to come this season.
Gabriel also impressed with his play despite his lost fumble and recorded 380 yards on 41-of-49 passing with two touchdowns. The quarterback looked poised and made excellent reads the majority of the game as he delivered strikes. The offense was just not able to execute when it truly mattered against the Vandals which might just be due to the first-game jitters.
What Went Wrong For the Oregon Football Team on Offense?
The issues for the Oregon football team against the Idaho Vandals started with the offense line and their run blocking. The Ducks failed to convert on fourth down twice, and each time the Ducks tried to run the ball into the teeth of the Vandals’ defense. The concerning part of each play was that the Ducks struggled to get a push along their line against a relatively young defense.
Idaho did not come out swinging or play with any extreme finesse by any means, but the Vandals made plays when they needed to against the Ducks. The Vandals turned the game into a physical beatdown that the Ducks’ offensive line especially did not seem prepared for. Gabriel was also sacked three times by a team that only recorded 23 total sacks a year ago.
The Vandals had a strong defense last season, allowing just 22.7 points per game as a defensive unit and going 9-4. Many of the Vandals players have since exited the program, but nonetheless, the defense is not necessarily a walk in the park to play against. The Oregon offense struggled to really convert or do something positive when it counted.
The fumble from Gabriel is unfortunate and can be learned from, but the failure to convert one fourth down twice is a big error. The Oregon football team needs to be better in power situations and get the necessary pushes to move the ball downfield. If Oregon struggles in that department all season, it could be a tough year for the Ducks.
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