Upon Further Review: Things to Notice Watching the Replay

Thomas is tough, growing in confidence, and cool under pressure.

He competes. He's not afraid of contact, and will step into the throw under pressure. Both his touchdown passes, he had an onrushing defender in his face. You could see the elation in his body language after the TDs to Paulson and Tuinei, his confidence rising, leading his team back after trailing early. This was a tremendous experience for him, and will pay dividends against ASU and Stanford in the coming weeks. He'll grow more comfortable every week, and he's making a good start.

There were enough teachable moments to give Helfrich and Kelly opportunities to refine his skill and understanding. His line has to do a better job of picking up pressure. He absorbed some shots in this game.

Jeff Maehl's toughness sets the tone for the Duck's offense.

Watch him hustle down to cover a punt, throw a key block on a long touchdown run, or break three tackles for a critical fourth quarter first down. This guy is a tenacious football player. He has ten catches in Oregon's first two games, and he and Thomas will hook up on their first long one soon. His work ethic complements his physical ability. He'll be a consistent weapon for the offense all season.

The fans' early hopes are bearing out: this year Oregon has an markedly improved downfield passing game.

Thomas throws with touch, and he can punish defenses if they stack up on the run. He can arc and feather those 25-35 yd throws into the seams, and in his first two games as a starter, it's great to see him connect with Paulson, Tuinei, Williams, and Maehl for completions of 25 yards or more downfield. He's ahead of where Masoli was by game six in 2008.

I've said it four times on the blog, but I love Cliff Harris in coverage.

If he starts the rest of the way he will have ten picks and another touchdown. Mark it down. He has lockdown skills and a nose for the ball. I don't see how they can keep him out of the lineup.

Oregon's defense gave up some yards, but not many points.

One developing advantage is that even when they give up a play they don't stop working, and they have the closing speed to limit the breakaway to 30 instead of 70. They trade touchdowns for field goals, give up yards and not points. The defense will continue to improve, and Pellum and Alliotti will use the video to refine assignments and teach positioning.

The defensive line is emerging as a stout, athletic unit. Barr had a couple of plays where he looked like a combination of Stretch Armstrong and Igor Olshansky, Clark had a nice bull rush for a sack, and Rowe never stops working to the quarterback. They'll hit their stride, and continue to get better. I agree with Ken Woody that the linebackers have to improve. 162 is too many yards to give up to any tail back, even though Poole ran very well.

LaMichael James gets raves for his speed and elusiveness, but he's underappreciated for his grit and strength.

The nation's premier running back finishes every run, fights for tough yards after contact and usually falls forward. For a small, speedy back he's phenomenal inside, and takes good care of the football.

Breakaway backs will fumble occasionally, because they use the ball as a lever in setting up their jukes. They don't hold it close in to the body like a power back such as Toby Gerhart or LeGarrette Blount. Barner was stripped on the early kickoff return. For him it's another teachable moment, learning to tighten his grip in traffic, but when it does happen his teammates just have to pick him up.

The Oregon defense responded well, holding those early scores to field goals, giving the offense time to get its feet. Not every game can be a wire-to-wire second round knockout. Some games, you have to show poise and resolve, and overcome early setbacks.

This was a good character builder for the Ducks. They overcame a bad start, a hostile crowd, and weird circumstances to forge a convincing win in their first road game. They learned, or rather we learned with them, that their speed and talent can turn around even a game that has started with disaster. They learned again how much difference a couple of big individual plays can make.

Barner and James get the headlines, but the downfield blocking on their runs is a thing of beauty, and a testament to the character and commitment of this team.

They play football, and take a lot of pride in being complete football players. Championship teams always excel in areas like these, particularly in special teams. The Oregon special teams have set a high standard for themselves in the season's first two weeks.

Okay, we have eleven more hours to feel good about this victory, and then it's on to Portland State and getting ready for the PAC-10 season.