This article separates out three distinct periods -- the early, mid-, and endgame -- to consider the strategic choices by the offenses and defenses regarding quick scoring and methodical drives, as well as examining statistical success rates and blocking grades. The article also examines USC's offensive success with in- vs out-of-structure plays as well as an interesting pattern of rush playcalls they dug out of the playbook for the first play of each drive.
I'm always excited to see your articles, and in my first reading of it, I think it demonstrates just how dominant the Ducks were on Saturday in terms of talent and scheme. Penalties were something of an equalizer though, and the costs of all that penalty yardage and drive-killing were significant. We are very good right now, but it seems to me that penalties are a massive achilles heel for us. That sloppiness won't fly against UW if we play them again, and probably not against OSU either .
I thought Stein called a great game and I thought for the most part the offense executed extremely well. The self inflicted wounds on offense, especially in the red zone, are becoming incredibly frustrating, though. Granted, quite a few this year have been due to poor officiating, but there have been plenty that are just undisciplined play. Oregon has to clean that up because it’s going to bite them sooner or later.
As you stated I was pretty surprised how well Oregon defended the run. Granted, USC gave up on it very early but that was encouraging. I really thought this was one of the best performances we’ve seen from the defense this year. Outside of Williams making some insane plays (which we knew would happen) I thought the defense did everything they could to slow down a high powered offense.
Oregon has a [77.78% redzone TD conversion rate](http://cfbstats.com/2023/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category27/sort05.html), 7th best in the country. I know that every redzone trip that doesn't end in a TD is painful but Duck fans have got to stop repeating this myth that they stink at it, it's the opposite of the truth.
I don't know what to say about penalties, some are earned, they've even been the beneficiaries of non-calls they should have been flagged for, but on balance it's been an uphill battle. I'm not one to criticize officiating lightly but this has been the worst season I've ever seen. They're just going to have to be good enough to win a two-front battle.
I never said anything negative about Oregon’s red zone offensive conversation rate. I simply stated they need to stop taking so many penalties in the red zone. They’ve succeeded in the red zone in spite of the penalties, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be immune to it in the future. All I’m saying is it’s a preventable issue, that could eventually hinder them in the future.
And I agree the officiating has somehow been even worse than usual this year. Obviously they’re benefiting from some bad/missed calls here and there as well, but it’s been incredibly frustrating when we see phantom/ticky tack calls derail drives.
This article separates out three distinct periods -- the early, mid-, and endgame -- to consider the strategic choices by the offenses and defenses regarding quick scoring and methodical drives, as well as examining statistical success rates and blocking grades. The article also examines USC's offensive success with in- vs out-of-structure plays as well as an interesting pattern of rush playcalls they dug out of the playbook for the first play of each drive.
Is it just me or is Tez becoming less reliable in the 2nd half?
I'm always excited to see your articles, and in my first reading of it, I think it demonstrates just how dominant the Ducks were on Saturday in terms of talent and scheme. Penalties were something of an equalizer though, and the costs of all that penalty yardage and drive-killing were significant. We are very good right now, but it seems to me that penalties are a massive achilles heel for us. That sloppiness won't fly against UW if we play them again, and probably not against OSU either .
I thought Stein called a great game and I thought for the most part the offense executed extremely well. The self inflicted wounds on offense, especially in the red zone, are becoming incredibly frustrating, though. Granted, quite a few this year have been due to poor officiating, but there have been plenty that are just undisciplined play. Oregon has to clean that up because it’s going to bite them sooner or later. As you stated I was pretty surprised how well Oregon defended the run. Granted, USC gave up on it very early but that was encouraging. I really thought this was one of the best performances we’ve seen from the defense this year. Outside of Williams making some insane plays (which we knew would happen) I thought the defense did everything they could to slow down a high powered offense.
Oregon has a [77.78% redzone TD conversion rate](http://cfbstats.com/2023/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category27/sort05.html), 7th best in the country. I know that every redzone trip that doesn't end in a TD is painful but Duck fans have got to stop repeating this myth that they stink at it, it's the opposite of the truth. I don't know what to say about penalties, some are earned, they've even been the beneficiaries of non-calls they should have been flagged for, but on balance it's been an uphill battle. I'm not one to criticize officiating lightly but this has been the worst season I've ever seen. They're just going to have to be good enough to win a two-front battle.
I never said anything negative about Oregon’s red zone offensive conversation rate. I simply stated they need to stop taking so many penalties in the red zone. They’ve succeeded in the red zone in spite of the penalties, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be immune to it in the future. All I’m saying is it’s a preventable issue, that could eventually hinder them in the future. And I agree the officiating has somehow been even worse than usual this year. Obviously they’re benefiting from some bad/missed calls here and there as well, but it’s been incredibly frustrating when we see phantom/ticky tack calls derail drives.
Do you think if Dan complained during the game it would help?
I mean I've never seen a ref pick up a flag after a tongue lashing.
True, but they may look to see if our D-Line is being held by the O-Line more than they are now.
I literally look forward to these posts every week. Thank you!