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 cards just fell right for them this time.

They are very good but not exactly better than years past

Matiota is more of an efficient playmaker

quote:

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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.

We are way more talented at WR, have a power back, a qb that can throw to the boundary and an Oline that doesn't let elite DL split them in pass rush or stretch the OZ backwards. If Darron Thomas could've hit those boundary passes against Auburn to stretch them horizontally, we win.

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

I think the biggest difference is their interior run game. They've got some big backs to complement their usual speedy guys.

The O and D Lines are a lot more stout than a few years back as well

They actually play competent defense. Unlike last years where they were all offense and tried to outscore you.

Better in the trenches and an underrated power running game.

Edit: Their defense reminds me of 2011 Oklahoma State. They bend but don't break and create a lot of turnovers.

The differnce? The Playoff

Years past, they would have been hammered for having their annual letdown game against Arizona. They would have been left out in favor of FSU and Bama. They would have played OSU in the Rose Bowl and lost like they will in a week.