Run it Back is a new weekly feature* recapping the previous game. The “facts” presented are factual because the blog says so. There is no truth to the rumor that Run it Back will be renamed to Cliff Harris.
1. Kenjon Barner is more legit than science. Say what you want about the opponent, but how often do guys go off like that? Teams play bad competition every week and it just doesn’t happen. And dear God, coupling him with LaMichael James the rest of the year…Oregon should be forced to write apology letters to opponents.
2. This was more than your typical win over a patsy. This was a statement of dominance. Oregon is talented, deep and hungry. I get why people want to see more against better competition. I think we all want to see that. But there’s no ignoring the complete dismantling of New Mexico. It was completely surgical and efficient. If you’re skeptical on the 2010 Ducks, ask yourself how many times you’ve seen any other team anywhere do what Oregon did yesterday.
3. Darron Thomas has not proven anything. Ok, so this is why you can still be skeptical. It’s not that Thomas was bad, it’s just that we didn’t learn anything. He didn’t attempt a run and played less than one half. In that time, there were some overthrows and a bad interception which is enough to leave you guessing. This shouldn’t be interpreted as negative toward Thomas. It’s just that he is the most important factor to where this season heads. I think it’s a 10 win season regardless of who starts at quarterback. But 11, 12, 13 wins? That’s what we’re waiting to see.
4. Uh, so how about Cliff Harris? That question is a fact. As in, his performance – two punt returns, each for a touchdown – was so ridiculous, you don’t even need to state it. Let’s see, it took Harris one half to tie a school record for the season? And he did it on two returns? So basically, for every attempted return, he scores a touchdown. For some reason, this has barely registered as interesting to most media outlets but might be the most impressive thing that happened.
5. The defense did exactly what the blog asked. OTP is glad they are listening. With so much offseason hype about this being the best defense ever, a shutout was just the statement they needed to make. With Portland State and Washington State on the schedule, this may not be the last time they do it, either. The Ducks haven’t recorded two shutouts in the same year since 1964 (according to this website). More than anything, it gives one confidence that even if Thomas struggles at times, the defense might be able to carry the load when really needed.
6. Casey Matthews made a nice interception, but the blog wishes he’d made the easy one in the last game they played. I’m just sayin’…
Bonus Fact: Joey Harrington did a pretty good job as an analyst for the Oregon Sports Network. You never quite know how a guy will translate to TV even if he’s knowledgeable about the subject, but Harrington seemed at ease. He had good insight, kept things light and along with the rest of the crew, was able to actually remain interesting despite the heavy blowout.
*I’m feature-happy this year so I don’t have to think as much about what to write every day, ok?
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Love My Ducks.
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