10 takeaways from No. 6 Oregon football’s win over Michigan State

Posted by Admin October 7, 2024 Football

EUGENE — No. 6 Oregon defeated Michigan State 31-10 Friday night at Autzen Stadium.

Here are 10 takeaways from the game as the Ducks (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) prepare to host No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday:

1) Jordan Burch is the most valuable player on the roster

This should not be a revelation to anyone who’s been paying attention. Burch is the game-wrecking edge all rusher teams cherish and he’s delivering the results to back it up. He’s likely got the highest ceiling of anyone on the roster in terms of the NFL draft. When Burch went down in the Pac-12 championship game, Washington attacked the void. His decision to return game the Ducks a premier pass rusher to build around and he’s taken his game to another level so far this season. Oregon has other edge defenders, but none are close to Burch right now.

2) Jordan James needed that kind of performance

Oregon needed explosive runs and to show it has a legitimate bell cow with Bucky Irving gone. James’ 41-yard run was a well drawn up play and his barreling through defenders for several runs of 10-plus showed he’s got the power and durability to be a 20-carry back.

3) Dillon Gabriel is forcing throws in the red zone

Gabriel did not put the jeopardy at all in the first three games. Suddenly he’s thrown three interceptions in two games and they’re all inside the 10, with time to throw. What made the two interceptions against MSU worse than the pick-six at UCLA was there were openings, either in space or throwing angle, but instead Gabriel forced a late throw on what turned into a bootleg that really wasn’t and then threw a liner that was jumped when going for the corner, scrambling or throwing it away were all possible.

He’s still an accurate and efficient passer, but this was Gabriel’s worst game at UO so far. Big picture, he could get away with some of these things against AAC and Big 12 defensive backs, but it’s not going to work in the Big Ten or in the postseason.

4) Tez Johnson is more than fast

Johnson’s speed is his biggest asset, but he’s doing far more than outrunning defenders or maneuvering around them. He might be Oregon’s best route runner. He understands where to sit against zone and creates space so he can attempt to gain yards after the catch. His 43 catches are 7th nationally and they’re not happening by accident.

5) Oregon out-coached Michigan State

Will Stein called an excellent first half and put players in position to succeed. Oregon has attacked single high safeties with a lot of success so far this season and did particularly well running against MSU. The 41-yard screen to Terrance Ferguson was another well drawn up play with a covered receiver.

Defensively it was almost comical how Oregon was able to get Burch, Derrick Harmon and Matayo Uiagalelei free at times. Michigan State’s offensive line was no match, but schematically the UO staff has figured out a few things against Jonathan Smith’s offense and it showed yet again in glaring fashion.

6) Traeshon Holden could be WR2

Holden’s production is second on the team in both receptions and yards, but put that aside – he’s making big plays. He’s arguably made some of the flashiest plays on offense each week so far.

7) Jamaree Caldwell had his best game

Caldwell had a season-high four tackles and forced the goal line fumble early that kept Michigan State off the board. He was disruptive and a force inside that opened up lanes for others.

8) Andrew Boyle’s return is much needed

A 50-yard field goal and two touchbacks on kickoffs is nothing short of stellar considering how erratic Oregon’s kicking game has been for several years. Boyle being healthy enough to play again is a significant development. If he can take over kickoffs, which he was brought to UO to do, and handle long field goals? The Ducks might actually have a consistent kicking game for the first time in ages.

9) This team’s identity could be on defense and that’s OK

The offense drew all the attention in the offseason, understandably so. Landing two of the most prominent transfer quarterbacks, including the most experienced and efficient in Gabriel, combined with adding Evan Stewart at receiver made for a lot of hype. But the secondary and defensive line brought in a lot of talent too and those units are delivering results that border on elite so far. The Ducks continue to cause an extreme amount of havoc. Rather than a top 5 offense and top 20 defense like last season, those figures could be flipped this year and that should be welcome, not criticized.

10) There’s nothing to take from the final 10 minutes

Michigan State padding its statistics with 120 yards and 10 points in the fourth quarter is window dressing. The last drive was played almost entirely by second- and third-team players, mostly freshmen, and there were some solid plays made too. But under the circumstance there’s simply nothing to glean from anything, good or bad, in the big picture.

No. 3 Oregon (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) vs. No. 2 Ohio State (5-0, 2-0)

When: Saturday, Oct. 12
Time: 4:30 p.m. PT
Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene
TV channel: NBC (KGW in Portland)
Stream: You can watch this game live for FREE with Fubo (free trial) or with DirecTV Stream (free trial). You can also watch the event live on NBC Live if you already have cable or satellite provider login information.
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