A look at Oregon's stat sheet gives Duck fans a look inside Oregon's early season dominance, and a glimpse into their championship future.
The first thing that jumps out at you, much like he does on the field, is Brandon "the Beast" Bair, the one-man ladder match in the center of the Duck defense. Bair has 12 tackles in three games, trailing only John Boyette and Eddie Pleasant (14) and reserve linebacker Michael Clay (13) on Oregon's Tenacious D. Bair leads the team with 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and five pass break-ups. Consider that again: a defensive tackle leads the team with five passes defended, all passes batted down at the line. In fact, Bair is tied for seventh in the entire nation in this category, and he is the only defensive lineman in the top 100. Cliff Harris is next on the team with four.
Five different members of Tenacious D have interceptions, Brian Jackson, Casey Matthews, Avery Patterson, Harris, and Javes Lewis. Oregon has recovered six fumbles, including two each by Matthews and Boseko Lokombo. For the season the team has created 11 turnovers while committing just five, and the plus six turnover margin leaves the team third in the country behind Ohio State and Florida.
One of the preseason concerns for the Ducks was the development and depth on the defensive line, and that has been answered emphatically. In addition to Bair's emergence as a force of destruction, d-line coach Jerry Azzinaro has gotten stellar play from Zac Clark, who's recorded nine tackles, two sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries. Clark's tough play inside will discourage offenses from double teaming Bair or exploit them when they choose to do so. At 6-2 270 he is strong, agile and athletic inside, very quick laterally for his size. In all the Ducks have accumulated 22 tackles for loss, and the disruption and penetration created by Bair and Clark inside has been a key factor in their success.
The early lopsided games have allowed the Oregon staff the luxury of going deep into the bench, and this has several benefits. First, it keeps starters fresh and healthy. Second, it develops depth and provides coaches with opportunities to teach and evaluate younger players. Third, it provides invaluable extra motivation at practice. Reserves getting playing time increases their interest and energy. They're naturally more involved and more committed.
Several players stand out as making the most of their extended playing time in reserve roles. The Spiderman Dion Jordan has quietly amassed ten tackles coming off the bench, and Michael Clay has 13, second on the team. Brian Jackson also has ten. The linebacking platoon of Bryson Littlejohn and Josh Kaddu have nine apiece. Special teams standouts Marvin Johnson and Lokombo have seven tackles each in their various roles. In all 26 players have four or more tackles, including walk-on linebacker Keloni Kamalani with five. Reserve DT Wade Keliipiki also has five. In all 36 Ducks have recorded a tackle, including qb Darron Thomas, on an interception, and Jeff Maehl, on punt coverage.
After three games Oregon ranks first in the country in scoring defense, 26th in rushing yards allowed, third in passing yards per game, and first in the country in both total offense and defense. In all the Ducks outscored their first three opponents 189-13, and outgained them 1835 yards to 580.
But none of those numbers will be worth a single point, yard or tackle on Saturday in Tempe.
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