Guest post by Michael Tallia
[Editor’s note: Michael Tallia is a junior at Oregon, majoring in journalism and business. He has attended every Oregon game over the last two years, and contributes frequently to The Duck Stops Here in the comments section. Here is his take on The Cowboy Classic.]On September 3rd two very good football teams will be showcased in front of thousands of critics and avid college football fans. ESPN analysts and LSU fans say that Oregon won’t be able to handle the atmosphere as well as the LSU defense. Chip Kelly and the Ducks however, have other plans.
During the off season Oregon has worked very hard to live up to the hype. With key acquisitions on both sides of the ball, Oregon is looking to improve upon a 2010 campaign that left the PAC 10 a blaze, much like Sherman’s barbaric march to the sea.
In order for Oregon to be successful they must run the ball early and effectively. LSU may be licking their chops over Oregon’s new offensive line but that may not be the case when they see them in person. Oregon’s offensive line, although relatively inexperienced, is bigger than last years’ unit. Oregon’s lineman have worked hard to put on weight this off season and clearly their work has paid off. Each man on the line, although subject to change, is weighing in close to 300 pounds.
Remember back in 2009 when Oregon’s offensive line was put on blast by Boise State? The same offensive line that eventually led the Ducks to a Rose Bowl berth. That offensive line in comparison to this year’s unit is for lack of better words “inexperienced”. The ducks are bringing back 3 returning starters on the O-line with nearly 3 times as much experience as the 2009 unit, with 54 total starts. The Ducks also played a deep rotation in 2010, so several of the non-starters have seen significant time.Steve Greatwood’s offensive line will be ready for LSU and all the size they can throw at them. Look for the Ducks to come out of the gates running the ball and testing the rebuilt LSU defensive line , which lost star Drake Nevin. The Tigers are also replacing All-conference middle linebacker and leading tackler Kelvin Sheppard.
In his first season as Chip Kelly’s starter at quarterback, Darron Thomas proved he was capable of taking a game on his shoulders. His two touchdown passes on the road at Tennessee, with defenders in his face, showed very early his courage and credibility as a leader. After losing Drew Davis and Jeff Maehl to graduation, LSU fans may make the lazy assumption that air attack that laid 363 yards on the Auburn Tigers will be grounded, but this year’s receiving unit is more talented and even faster than last. Josh Huff is returning coming off a season where he accounted for over 1000 all-purpose yards. Lavasier Tuinei is also returning and he has looked very impressive in practice, finishing plays and using his 6’5 frame to catch everything, establishing himself as a potential clutch, go-to receiver to complement reliable tight end David Paulson. Justin Hoffman, although not as fast or athletic as Tuinei and Huff, is a great blocker, which is essential to the Oregon offense. Last year big running plays were the product of great second level blocking by our receiving unit. Without great down-field blocking the Ducks will not be able to break big plays from scrimmage. Look for Hoffman to be key in the blocking game but not so much in the passing game. Transfer Rahsaan Vaughn may also have a big impact in this game. He has looked good in practice this fall, and he just may add a missing element for DT and the Ducks’ passing game, a genuine, tough-to-cover, explosive deep threat. He’s fast, athletic, and just seems to stand out at practice.
In the upcoming weeks Darron Thomas and his receivers should begin to jell and grow together. In Dallas, though, Oregon’s offense is likely to be somewhat conservative early because of LSU’s very talented secondary. Look for David Paulson to have a big game, working against LSU’s inexperienced linebacker corps. He has done nothing but inhale catches during fall camp and he will continue to do so against the Tigers. Chip Kelly and Mark Helfrich won’t test the fast and athletic secondary. Paulson will be DT’s safety valve, open underneath coverage early and often. Expect him to have a big game September 3rd, something along the lines of six catches, 100 yards and two scores.
Once the Oregon passing game begins to click get ready for a show. The Ducks will begin to find a balance and run at an even faster tempo than last year. If there is one word to describe Oregon’s off season it’s been tempo. They’ve been practicing faster than ever getting in hundreds of reps a day. LSU may think they are prepared for the Oregon track show but the truth is they really aren’t. Oregon’s offense will run the hurry-up offense even faster than last year. LSU will become tired and assignments will be blown on their behalf. Once that happens it’s off to the races for the Ducks offense.
On defense, Michael Clay has said that he thinks this year’s team is faster and more athletic than last year. Let’s not forget that in 2010 Nick Aliotti’s unit was overshadowed by a great offense. They allowed under 19 points a game, and just 22 to juggernaut Auburn and Cam Newton in the national championship. Led by agile, athletic hitters like Kenny Rowe and Spencer Paysinger, they paced conference in many categories, second in the nation in turnovers gained with 37. They were fast, physical and opportunistic.
Clay will be the anchor on the defense in 2011. He’s fast, smart, and hits you in the mouth if you don’t make the right read. Oregon’s defensive line also seems to be an upgrade from last year. Ricky Heimuli has looked brilliant in flashes but is marred by an injury that still seems to be nagging at him a bit. Terrell Turner has also been a monster at the point of attack constantly wreaking havoc in the backfield. Dion Jordan has also looked good and may be the source of “Bair” like reflexes batting down balls with his wide wingspan. LSU is going to try and run the ball early to test if our defensive line can hold up against their big boys. The Tigers return four veteran offensive linemen, and Les Miles and his staff have a lot of confidence in powerful tailback Spencer Ware, a sophomore taking over for 1000-yard rusher Stevan Ridley, who left early for the NFL. Ware slashed for 110 yards in the Cotton Bowl. He’s a slasher in the mold of Washington’s Chris Polk, a power runner who breaks tackles and runs hard between the tackles.
LSU may be successful early on with the run but Aliotti is going to bring the heat on Jordan Jefferson, that is if he plays. Look for Josh Kaddu to put pressure on Jefferson up the middle and force him to make mistakes throwing the football. The Ducks want LSU to throw, because John Neal’s secondary is the strength of this team. John Boyett is smart and will punish you if you make mistakes. Just ask Cam Newton. Eddie Pleasant is a very experienced Duck who will also bring the hurt on receivers. At corner the ducks will have senior Anthony Gildon who many say is more reliable than the great Cliff Harris. Along side of Gildon will most likely be Terrance Mitchell who has made a name for himself this off season. He’s come up with big plays on defense picking off a pass on what seems to be every day against a good Oregon offense. He may be inexperienced but don’t underestimate him; he can make plays with the ball in the air and when running backs choose to bounce it outside. Let’s not forget Dewitt Stuckey. Stuckey will hold down the middle against LSU. He may not be your prototypical NFL MLB, but he makes plays and has some experience.
Oregon’s secondary is going to give Jefferson nightmares before September 3rd, if he’s not already sitting in jail. Les Miles and the LSU offense will rely heavily on Ware and the run, avoiding the Oregon secondary and the prospect of putting the game in the hands of their erratic quarterbacks. If Jefferson starts, he had just 7 touchdowns last season, against 10 interceptions. Aliotti will have the defense blitzing when they get off the bus, swarming on Jefferson and forcing him to make quick decisions. Expect the Oregon defense to come away with two interceptions this game.
How does it unfold? Oregon starts slow against LSU but has a late push to end the half. Oregon 17 LSU 10 at half. Chip Kelly will make brilliant half time adjustments and get the offense flying in the second half. Aliotti’s defense will swarm on Jefferson forcing him to make costly mistakes for LSU. Oregon puts the hurt on LSU in the second half, final score Oregon 38 LSU 17.
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