Oregon didn’t just take care of business against Eastern Washington on Friday afternoon. The Ducks used the 98-71 win to learn a little more about what this roster can be, and who might be ready for a bigger slice of the rotation as the season moves on.
That mattered in a game that was tighter early before Oregon took control late in the first half and never looked back. With Tony Stubblefield working through a roster heavy on transfers, the blowout gave the staff room to test different combinations and get more players involved. The Ducks are 2-0, and while there’s still plenty to clean up, that’s a solid place to be after a disappointing season.
One of the biggest takeaways came from Wei Lin. On a day when Oregon was already dealing with the news that star guard Tyrone Riley IV would be out, Lin stepped into the spotlight off the bench and delivered a strong answer.
He finished with 20 points on 7-9 shooting, along with 4 assists and 3 steals. Oregon is going to need that kind of production without Riley, and Lin showed he can help cover a major gap.
True freshman Tajh Ariza also made the most of the extra minutes that come with a game like this. In 14 minutes, he put up 7 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, and an incredible block at the rim. The tools that made him such a coveted recruit were on display, and Oregon’s ability to keep giving him run in games like this should only help him settle in before the schedule gets tougher.
Then there was Pharoah Compton, who bounced back from a quiet season opener with a much louder performance. The San Diego State transfer logged 14 minutes and responded with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block. He brought energy, activity, and production off the bench, and with Oregon’s depth at forward, that kind of effort is going to keep forcing the conversation.
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Dan Lannings Aggression Just Put Ohio State On Notice
Oregon spent the first quarter in a hole against Ohio State, but the Ducks did not spend long playing it safe. A successful fake punt helped flip the tone, and Dan Lannings group kept leaning into an aggressive approach on offense until it had clawed its way to a 17-14 halftime lead, a swing that said as much about confidence as it did about execution.
Afterward, Lanning framed the performance around identity, stressing that Oregon has to keep playing like itself if it wants to keep putting pressure on elite opponents. He also pointed to the need to cut down on turnovers, a reminder that the Ducks boldness only works if it is paired with cleaner football, and that balance will matter even more as the stakes keep rising. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon May Need One Freshman To Change Everything Against Ohio State
As Oregon turns its attention to Ohio State, the Ducks are looking for ways to crack a defense that has been especially sturdy against the run. That puts a spotlight on true freshman Brandon Smith, whose performance against Northwestern stood out not just for the production on the ground, but for the way he added another layer to the offense with his work in the passing game.
Smiths rise matters even more because Oregon is dealing with injuries at running back, which narrows the options against a Buckeyes front that does not give much away. If the Ducks are going to find an answer in a game like this, they may need the kind of burst and versatility Smith showed in his first real opportunity to make a difference. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon Faces One Huge Test In Columbus With Playoff Stakes Rising
Oregon heads into Columbus for one of the seasons biggest measuring-stick games, and both sides are carrying injury questions into a matchup that already has plenty riding on it. The Ducks will be without starting running back Jordon Davison, but they do get wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan back after his injury absence, a small boost for an offense that will need every available piece against an Ohio State defense that is expected to have defensive back Jay Timmons and offensive tackle Ian Moore back in the lineup.
The Buckeyes still have a few names on the doubtful list, including some wide receivers and a linebacker, but oddsmakers still have Ohio State favored at home. For Oregon, the setting alone makes this a major test, and the injury picture only adds to the challenge of trying to leave Columbus with a statement win and keep playoff hopes on the strongest possible footing. [Read more 🡒]