EUGENE – The Oregon Ducks are ready to begin Pac-12 conference play. After three out-of-conference games, the Ducks are 3-0 and ranked #3 in the polls. The last time this happened was 2014. Oregon went on to win the next game, their Pac-12 conference opener, and went on to finish with a #2 ranking after falling to Ohio State in the 2015 national championship game.
Seven years and a couple of head coaches later, here come the Ducks. After a somewhat nerve-racking opening game against a very dangerous and talented Fresno State team that just upset the UCLA Bruins, Oregon traveled to Columbus, Ohio to meet their old national championship foe, Ohio State. In that game, running back Ezekiel Elliott was unstoppable. This time, the tables were turned. Oregon’s CJ Verdel was the one no one could lay a hand on. Oregon won not only the game, but also the distinction of being a team that seemed to have found its heart and stride through the commitment of its players and the culture created by its staff; in particular, head coach Mario Cristobal.
A word about Coach Cristobal – there is no finer coach in college football, possibly in all of college sports. Say what you will about Alabama’s Nick Saban being the most decorated, there’s no disputing that. Coach Saban has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest of all time. Those who know him knew this was his destiny when he was at Michigan State. His time at LSU was just a segue to the place where he will surely be honored with statues and monuments in the future. Cristobal knows this, he’s been there.
Cristobal spent three years at Alabama before coming to Oregon. He spent five years as the head coach at Florida International before that. Not only does he know how to lead and what to do, but he has learned from the best, and that is evident in how his program has evolved in Eugene. In his fourth year at Oregon, Mario Cristobal has won the Pac-12 conference championship twice. He has won the Pac-12 north division title once. Let’s not forget, he won a Sun Belt conference championship over a decade ago (2010), and he – himself – is a two-time national champion and four-year letterman from the University of Miami. The point is, Mario Cristobal is a winner and a champion, he knows what it takes, and his players at the University of Oregon are on board with his way.
While injuries to some key players continues to be an issue, the Ducks appear ready for Arizona. Quarterback Anthony Brown left the game versus Stony Brook with a foot injury but appears ready to go. Ty Thompson stepped up in that contest and proved he’s more than capable of running the offense. Given his productivity, it’s hard to imagine he won’t see time under center again soon. With dynamic duos at both running back and quarterback, a strong receiving corps and an offensive line that has demonstrated the ability to hold off one of the best defenses in college football, Oregon’s prolific offense should fare well this weekend.
While missing key defensive starters like Kayvon Thibodeaux and Justin Flowe, the Ducks have shown they can play and win. Conference play is always a different challenge, but with the advantage of home field, the Ducks should continue to be effective. Add the return of students and the increased confidence in safety measures implemented due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Autzen Stadium is sure to be a difficult place for the Ducks’ opponents.
The Oregon Ducks host the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday, September 25 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. Kickoff is currently scheduled for 7:30pm PST, and the game will be televised on ESPN.
Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for over a decade, including NCAA football since 2007. Image taken by Craig Strobeck. ©2021 Craig Strobeck and approved for use by American Presswire. Ahsan Awan can be found on Twitter as @quackarazzi and on Instagram as @quackarazzi. Craig Strobeck can be found on the web and on Instagram as @cstrobeck.