EUGENE - Oregon’s offensive line has found a rhythm, and the Ducks are noticing the difference in a hurry.
The group up front has started the same five linemen for three straight games after a stretch of constant movement caused by injury or performance. That settled lineup has given quarterback Dylan Raiola a steadier pocket, and the payoff has shown up in the last two games, when he wasn’t sacked at all.
The current five are LT Fox Crader, LG Tommy Tofi, C Iapani “Poncho” Laloulu, RG Douglas Utu and RT Gernorris Wilson.
Raiola said the unit’s buy-in has been obvious.
“I mean, those dudes, they strain. Like, that’s the bottom line is they strain,” Raiola said.
“They want to fight to keep it clean, and I’m very grateful for that. Because sometimes it can get hard in the trenches. ...
Couldn’t be more proud of them, and I couldn’t be more confident with those guys in front of me.”
There’s even a little off-field fuel behind the improvement. Raiola said Skarlett Jones, the former Nebraska softball player and his girlfriend, has been keeping the offensive linemen stocked with cookies.
“I haven’t bought them steak dinner yet,” Raiola said. “But they get an extraordinary amount of cookies every week.”
Oregon’s offense has also changed shape with Jordon Davison sidelined by injury and a greater willingness to lean into the passing game now that more wide receivers are available. That puts more on the line’s shoulders, even if the run game has still delivered when needed.
The Ducks used it to spring a 48-yard touchdown by Dierre Hill against Ohio State, and freshman Brandon Smith has popped big plays against Northwestern.
A lot of that production comes from the way Oregon is using its linemen in space. Screens and outside runs have turned into chances for the big men to move, hit, and create.
“We were able to protect the quarterback against some of that scheme variance, and then some of it is the way we call the game,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “To be able to build screens off some of their pressures and some of that, like, all those things allow the O-line to be able to shine and have a lot of success.
“So, I think all those things come together, and then those guys have continuity playing together, building more confidence in the calls that you’re making with the guy next to you. That’s gonna create a rhythm and allow them to perform.”
Lanning also made it clear that pass protection isn’t just on the linemen. He said sacks are a collective issue, and Raiola has helped lighten the load by being more aware in the pocket after dealing with fumble problems earlier this season.
“I think great quarterback play combined with an offensive line that strains and understands where their eyes are supposed to be, and then a scheme that makes sure that you’re not always on islands,” Lanning said. “And providing opportunities to help, right?
I think all that stuff contributes to us being able to protect the ball, make great decisions, and play on time. And it leads to us being successful in protecting the quarterback.”
That combination has helped Oregon hit explosive plays downfield and regain some of its swagger, giving the No. 16 Ducks a shot at sneaking into the College Football Playoff field.
Now comes another serious challenge: a disruptive Michigan defense.
For Raiola, though, the formula is simple enough.
“I feel like we’ve done a great job of working the pocket and maneuvering around in the pocket when they just push or pressure,” Raiola said. “And just being able to get the ball to my receivers in space.”
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