Time for the Defense to Shine

Say it with me, now. “I trust the Oregon defense to win this game.” Do you feel better? No? Neither do I.

But the concept is true. The Duck’s defense has rarely been so important to the outcome of a single game. For all the time I’ve been following Oregon football (and it’s not that long), each Saturday was about the offense being dominant enough to win. If they weren’t, well, they have lost 35 games this decade (I kid defense, I kid).

The offense in three games has been all over the map. Poor passing, poor running and poor blocking have plagued the team. It’s not always at the same time, but there’s something fundamentally missing from the the scoring side of the ball right now. After all, the offense is only averaging 18.67 points per game (excludes defense and special teams scores). Putting it mildly, this isn’t what we expected.

So while the youthful offense grows into something more formidable, it’s up to the defense to carry the load. And from what I’ve seen, I think they can. Against No. 6 Cal, though, they face their biggest test.

The Bears are first in the Pac-10 in total offense and scoring, but beyond numbers you mostly should be worried about Cal’s running game. The Bears will win or lose this game on the performance of Jahvid Best and backup Shane Vereen. Jeff Tedford’s offenses have always been about the running game first. He’s had a 1,000 yard back in seven straight seasons and it was the same when he was at Oregon.

The Bears ability running the ball can completely quiet a raucous crowd. There’s nothing more frustrating for a fan and opposing team than a dominant rushing attack that monopolizes the ball and the clock. And in doing so, Cal can control Oregon’s daunting home field advantage leaving the Ducks in a position where the offense has to perform to levels of late 2008 to stay in the game.

The defense doesn’t have to make spectacular plays – Cal only has one turnover on the season – but it has to get themselves off the field. They’ve done a good job this year of shutting down the big play, but have had a tendency to stay out there for prolonged drives at times by giving up third down conversions too easily. The more Cal has the ball in this game, the more Oregon’s offense will have to maximize it’s minimal possessions. From what we’ve seen so far, that won’t work.

So go ahead, defense. It’s your coming out party and everyone’s invited. Make it one we won’t forget.