We are already a quarter of the way through the Ducks 2011 football season and PAC12 play is just a day away. While several starters return from last year's team, these first three games have proven that this is a new squad that must reestablish itself as the conference favorite.
After dropping the first game to LSU 40-27, the Ducks bounced back with dominating performances against Nevada and a very overwhelmed Missouri State. Here is a look at how each position group performed through the first three games and what we can expect going into Tucson this weekend...
Quarterbacks
Darron Thomas has put up very impressive numbers on paper (741 passing yards, 30TD/1INT) but did not provide the Ducks with the spark they desperately needed against LSU. Although the score prevented the offense from dictating it's style, Thomas rarely left the pocket and only garnered 12 yards rushing the ball. The Ducks need him to be a difference maker in big games and he was not.
Grade: B
Running Backs
This group is expected to be the strength of the team with the return of LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner and the addition of 5 star recruit DeAnthony Thomas. The RBs only managed 61 yards on 22 carries against LSU but they have exploded since then. DeAnthony has rebounded nicely since his 2 fumbles Sept. 3 and has shown flashes of being the next star of the team after finding the endzone twice against Nevada. As the line continues to develope look for this group to put up even greater numbers.
Grade: B+
Offensive Line
The Ducks have three new starters on the O-Line and they were tested early against LSU. The group did a good job of keeping the rush off of DT but they failed to create the run lanes necessary for LaMichael to get to the second level. As in years past, they have been getting better each game and started to dominate the line against Missouri State.
Grade: B
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
After losing starters Jeff Maehl and DJ Davis, the Ducks entered the season with many question marks at this position. Tuinei has grown into his role as the leader of the group (14REC/162YDS/3TD) but the real surprise has been the emergence of true freshmen Colt Lyerla. Paulson was continuously double covered and Lyerla has made defenses pay scoring 3 TDs in as many games.
Grade: A-
Defensive Line
The defensive line has been the biggest disappointment at this point in the season. They were undersized and expected to struggle against LSU but have looked just as underwhelming against Nevada (516 YDS) and Division 1AA opponent Missouri State. The group must step up quickly entering PAC12 play or it could be a long season for the Ducks defense.
Grade: D
Linebackers
Although the d-line did little to help this group, the linebackers did not stand out in any of the first three games. They recorded only one sack against LSU and were late hitting holes against Missouri State resulting in their game opening TD drive. Lokombo has been impressive but the Ducks will need Kiko Alonso to step up after losing Michael Clay to an injury. Fortunately for this group, Arizona relies heavily on their passing attack which should bode well for the athletic group.
Grade: C-
Defensive Backs
This is a talented group that will get even stronger as All-American CB Cliff Harris returns to his starting spot. They have not had a bad game yet but were largely untested by LSU due to an effective rushing attack and some very good field position. The following two games they held Nevada to a 50% completion rate and only allowed 104 yards to Missouri State.
Grade: A-
Special Teams
The year could not have started much worse for Oregon's special teams. Kenjon Barner and DeAnthony Thomas both fumbled the ball against LSU - who then made them pay by converting each possession into a TD. The unit made up for its lousy opener by producing some electric plays the next two games including two punt returns for TDs.
Grade: C
Coach
Chip Kelley is slowly developing the knock of not being able to 'win the big game.' The Ducks seemed well prepared for LSU but could not overcome turnovers and penalties. Despite the rough start, Kelly avoided any LSU hangover and had his team well prepared for the next two games. As Oregon continues it's rise to an elite level, Kelly must prove he can compete with the top teams in the country.
Grade: C
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