3 Takeaways From Oregon Ducks Spring Game
BY 750 THE GAME STAFF
The atmosphere looked great. The right things were said before and after. The on-field performance was hit-and-miss. Sound like a spring game?
We think so too.
Here are 3 takeaways from Oregon’s intra-squad scrimmage, open to the public over the weekend at Autzen Stadium.
1. Predictable up-and-down performances
No program is going to look flawless on both sides of the ball in a spring game. Not even Georgia or Alabama or any other blue blood. That will certainly be true in Oregon’s case with the ever-changing roster in the transfer portal era as well as installing a new scheme on offense. That said, between dropped passes, penalties, inconsistency at quarterback, and an overall lack of explosiveness, the Ducks weren’t exactly churning out the highlights every possession. There were some cool moments, but far more opportunities were missed. Credit to the Ducks defense that broke up a couple of end-zone shots that could have resulted in scores. But for the Oregon offensive staff, there are plenty of coaching points coming out of Saturday.
The good? Always nice to see a one-on-one Nix-to-Franklin go-ball for six.
The @BoNix10 to @TroooyyyyyyTroy TD pass that gave Team Green a 10-0 lead.
Second half underway on Pac-12 Network!#GoDucks pic.twitter.com/kQOdc8jf7O
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) April 29, 2023
2. Alumni Showed Out
Marcus Mariota. Jevon Holland. Tyrell Crosby. Jordan Kent on the play-by-play call. This was a place Ducks fans came together across generations to reconnect and celebrate one of the country’s best programs for three-plus decades. Arguably more important than on-field evaluation, for fans at least, is getting that connection, that atmosphere. With over 45,000 in attendance and the amount of legendary former Ducks on the sideline, it couldn’t get much better for an Oregon spring game.
“Coming back here it’s a second home for me.”
Love to see Marcus Mariota back in Autzen Stadium! 😍#Pac12FB | @oregonfootball pic.twitter.com/FpK1mNcpTr
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) April 29, 2023
3. Defense growing teeth
One of the main objectives of the offseason and next fall is for Oregon’s defense to regain its edge. The losses to Washington and Oregon State at the end of the regular season should be enough motivation for the defense, but Dan Lanning also reloaded multiple positions via the transfer portal. South Carolina defensive lineman transfer Jordan Burch had some strong moments, as did Alabama transfer cornerback Khyree Jackson. Returning senior linebacker Mase Funa was his normal disruptive self. Needless to say, the mix of new bodies and returning playmakers gave fans reason to believe the defense will have some bark to its bite in 2023.