750 The Game 750 The Game Logo

3 Takeaways From Oregon Ducks Spring Game

May 1, 2023 11:16AM PDT
Share
3 Takeaways From Oregon Ducks Spring Game
EUGENE, OR – APRIL 29: Wide receiver Kris Hutson #1 of the Oregon Ducks dives for a loose ball in the end zone during the first half of the Oregon Ducks Spring Football Game at Autzen Stadium on April 29, 2023 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)

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.

 

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.

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.

@750TheGame

 

Newsletter

More News