It was almost a year ago when Oregon Football notched its biggest win of 2017 (no, not the 69-10 Civil War revenge drubbing, although that was immensely satisfying). It was after the departure of head coach Willie Taggart when the Ducks managed to sway defensive guru Jim Leavitt into staying put in Eugene rather than following Taggart to Florida State.
Having completely revamped the Colorado Buffaloes’ defense the previous season, Leavitt again worked his magic at Oregon in 2017, taking the Ducks from 126th in total defense to 46th. Players like Thomas Graham Jr.