Ducks focusing on consistency and execution as Game Day looms

 

It's not enough to merely win. Hosting Portland State in Autzen Stadium this Saturday, the Ducks want to establish the habits of success.

First among these is consistency. Left guard Marcus Harper met the media this week and he said, "I remember coach [A'lique] Terry after the first scrimmage said 'Everyone is doing a great job, but who is going to be most consistent?'.

"Offensive line is a position predicated on consistency. So now it's, how consistent can I be? I can make a play one day, but can I go back and do it again the next day? For me, it's just a confidence builder, and my plan is to do that the entirety of the season."

On the offensive line consistency means limiting penalties, negative plays and missed assignments.

Last season Harper played in all 13 games for the Oregon offense, starting ten. The Chicago native logged 711 snaps in 2022, all at left guard. He did a stellar job of protecting Bo Nix: He allowed just nine total pressures and zero sacks in 343 pass-blocking opportunities.

Another model of consistency is placekicker Camden Lewis. The fifth-year senior from Charlotte, North Carolina enters the season fifth on the all-time Oregon scoring list with 302 career points, just 82 behind the all-time leader, running back Royce Freeman. There's a strong chance Lewis eclipses that mark. In 2022 he converted 64 out of 64 extra point attempts while hitting 14-16 field goals (87.5%). Lewis split the uprights on four of five beyond 40 yards.

He's stronger this season at 5-10, 205, something that should help him put more kickoffs into the end zone without a return.

Consistency is the number one ingredient of championship football. The number one key to attaining it? Left tackle Josh Conerly knows. "Trust in the guy next to you," he said.

There's a lot worth trusting on this squad. A survey by 247 Sports reported that the Ducks have 53 four and five-star players on the roster, the most in the PAC-12. With coaching and consistency, that's enough talent to win a conference championship and make the college football playoff.