Oregon’s defense came out of its opener with Boise State carrying a mixed bag: the box score offered some encouraging numbers, but the performance on the field left room for a lot more.
The Ducks were expected to lean on a defensive front that has been billed as one of the best in the country, and there were moments when that group did flash. Oregon sacked Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen three times and logged eight quarterback hits, while the Broncos finished with 93 rushing yards and 2.6 yards per carry.
Still, the feel of the game told a different story. In the second half, Boise State was able to create push up front, find 4 to 5 yards on the ground with regularity and stay in the game by moving the chains. That was enough to leave Oregon knowing the standard wasn’t met, especially with USC coming in just two and a half weeks.
“Not good enough,” Lanning said after the game about the defensive line's performance. “Not our standard.”
The starting group of Matayo Uiagalelei, Teitum Tuioti, Bear Alexander and A'Mauri Washington finished with 23 tackles and five QB hits. Add Matthew Johnson, Aydin Breland and Elijah Rushing to the mix, and Oregon got four more tackles from that next wave.
On paper, the unit did enough to avoid being the reason the Ducks were in a tight game. But the takeaway from the opener was clear: Oregon wants more, and needs more, from that defensive front moving forward.
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Ticket prices for the next stretch offer a revealing snapshot of where things stand. The Louisiana game is among the most affordable options on the schedule, while the cost of getting in is set to rise as Big Ten opponents come to town. For USC, the early-season attendance picture now carries an added layer of concern because the more demanding conference games are still ahead. [Read more 🡒]
USCs Young Tight End Is Becoming Hard To Ignore
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Lincoln Riley has pointed to Bowmans preparation and development as reasons the freshmans rise has come so quickly, which only adds to the intrigue around where his role goes from here. USC now turns its attention to Louisiana, and the Ragin Cajuns figure to be another chance for Bowman to keep building on a start that has been hard to ignore. [Read more 🡒]
USC Has A Chance To Build Serious Momentum With Key Recruit
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The visit matters because USC appears to be in a strong spot with Davis already, and the Trojans are working to keep him engaged as he lines up more looks. He is also expected back for the Ohio State game, which gives USC a second major opportunity to make its case in front of one of its top remaining backfield priorities. For a program trying to keep stacking offensive talent early, these kinds of visits can carry real weight even before the recruiting calendar gets busy. [Read more 🡒]