Quarterback play was the the biggest doubt critics and pundits expressed about Oregon going into the season. Oregonian writers Ken Goe and John Hunt predicted the team would go 8-4 this year, and one writer in the PAC-10's annual tour had them finishing ninth. Thomas obliterated the doubts. He's been steady, effective, and remarkably cool in the pocket, and the offense has thrived under his quiet leadership. His 21 tds passing are the most since Dennis Dixon had 20 in 2007.
Oregon is first in the nation in total offense points scored, 4583 yards, 572.9 per game and 54.88 points. For the season they have 2113 yards passing (28th) and 2470 rushing (3rd, behind Air Force and Georgia Tech, two teams that run almost exclusively). Oregon's balance is a devastating weapon. Teams can't key on one player or one phase of the game without being exploited for it.
Oregon is 35th in total defense, but gives up 4.49 yards per play. The defense, despite being much maligned, does everything they are asked to do. They defend more plays and more possessions than any team in the country. In the second half, where games are won and lost, the Ducks have outscored opponents 142-28.
Here are some key elements of 8-0:
Sacks 21 Sacks Allowed 3
Takeaways (Turnovers Gained) 28 Giveaways (Turnovers Lost) 15
Punt Return Yds 478 (4 tds) Punt Return Yardage Defense 102
Passes Intercepted 15 (2 tds) Passes had intercepted 6
Touchdowns 55 Field Goals 10 Touchdowns Allowed 17 Field Goals 8
Red Zone Offense 88% Red Zone Defense 62% (3rd in the nation)
Oregon was 13-19 on third down conversions at USC.
For the season the Ducks have converted 49.1% on third downs, 10th in the nation
They've allowed opponents to convert on 33.1% on third downs, 16th in the nation
On fourth down they've converted 13-20 (65%), while allowing opponents to convert 3-17 (17.7%)
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