Oregon now vs. years past - what is the difference?

I think Oregon fans would be able to better answer this than me, but I'll give one perspective.

For me, the greatest improvement is their offensive line. Early in the year (when they lost to Arizona), the line looked absolutely horrible. I suspect injuries were playing a role, but they've certainly jelled a lot in the past couple of months.

Mariota's speed, his familiarity with the offense after three years, and his accuracy on planned routes is another key.

A third key is that Oregon's defense is a little more stout against the run this year. They aren't elite, but they also aren't getting beaten down by a Ka'Deem Carey, Tyler Gaffney, or Stepfan Taylor like they have in the past.


Two problems, though:

Ezekiel Elliott might prove me wrong about the improvement of Oregon's run defense.

Also, I'm not 100% sold on Mariota when he's trying to salvage a broken play. When Mariota is scrambling, he has a lot of highlight reel plays against some of Oregon's lesser competition. However, last night, he forced a couple of passes that should've been intercepted. Ohio State might pressure him into poor decisions more often.

The defense, specifically the front seven.

The interior run game. I don't remember kenjaun barner or deanthony Thomas gouging defenses up the middle like those two backs last night. A lot of that is fla state's suspect defense but those two rbs looked like tougher runners.

Watching the game, it seemed like fla state's defense never could get off blocks on those sideline throws. Fla state rarely got pressure and the Oregon receivers ran free all night.(many times not even covered).

Defensively, wasn't much different. I remember oregons defense playing well against lsu(when lee was qb) and against auburn in nat championship. Last night fla state moved the ball but cook fumbled twice on consecutive possessions and that ended the game. After the second cook fumble, fla state quit trying to even tackle.

FSU's skill players being allergic to the football helps . The Noles did put up 530+ yards of offense.

Joey Harrington was the closest thing they had to Mariota, success wise. Marcus is a game changer for them, if he wasn't on Oregon the Ducks might have been a middle of the road Pac 12 team this year.

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I've watch a decent amount of Oregon football over the past few years, and while I believe Mariotta is the best QB they've had during their run, their team is basically the same iteration that is has been over the last 10 or so years.

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Well, I mean, that's sort of a HUGE difference.

QBs matter. This is really the first Oregon QB who is a very good QB who happens to be able to run their offense VS a mediocre QB who fits into the spread.

In the past, if a defense had good speed it could sell out to prevent the short shite and stone the run. LSU did that, so did others.

Do that to Oregon now and Mariotta can just kill you traditionally. The fact that he can do that affects how you have to play them on defense.

It ill be interesting to see if they keep it up next year. I suspect they will, but it will be of interest to see if the next QB is more Mariotta or more like the predecessors.

2 things, first is that Mariota is light years better than darron Thomas. Had Mariota been the qb in their national title game against auburn they win. Secondly, things fell their way this year, Stanford sucked and fsu was the perfect matchup for them in the rose bowl. Fsu's defense was completely helpless. Chip kelly is a better coach than helfrich, this just might be oregons year though.

What is the over/under of Ducks v Bucs?

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What is the over/under of Ducks v Bucs?

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Are you asking if Oregon could beat Tampa? What you said is gibberish.

Having a once in a generation player at the most important position on the field that fits their scheme perfectly.

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Are you asking if Oregon could beat Tampa? What you said is gibberish.

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I think he meant the gambling point total.

Last I saw was 74.