It's never happened before. They're the only team in the country that's doing it.
Five games into the season, and Oregon is number two in the country in scoring offense at 51.6 points per game. That part was commonplace in the years of Chip Kelly and Marcus Mariota.
The rare part is that the defense is keeping pace. Currently Oregon's stingy, salty defensive unit is 8th in the nation in scoring defense at 11.8 points per game, 3rd in yards per play defense at 4.02 points per game.
They are the only team in the nation with a top ten offense AND a top ten defense, something Duck fans lamented for years. "If only our defense could keep up with our offense..." Now it does. This defense has muscle.
Credit goes all around. The coaches made some terrific off season portal moves to strengthen both units. Coordinators Will Stein and Tosh Lupoi have done a great job. The Ducks have excellent depth, particularly in the defensive line and secondary. That's kept them fresh. Even the fans have helped. The energy at Autzen Stadium and from the growing contingent at road games inspires greater effort.
But an underappreciated key in Oregon's 5-0 start and playoff contention is that this is, overall, the fastest, strongest and best-conditioned Oregon roster ever. Without fanfare or flamboyance, Wilson Love has transformed the Oregon strength and conditioning program. Across position groups you will witness explosiveness, flexibility and functional strength.
On both sides of the ball, this is a physical team. Watch the surge and agility on this play by the defense during the Stanford game, from Jordan Burch (1) and Taki Taimani (55).
Quick notes on Oregon’s defense from yesterday.
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) October 1, 2023
They are so fast and tackle better. Evan Williams continues to flash on film
Being able to rush the passer with four is a huge advantage in this sport ⬇️
Taki Taimani (55) is a monster in the middle. Game wrecker in the run game. pic.twitter.com/KT7F9uNt9H
Even Oregon's wide receivers display improved strength. All season Troy Franklin and Traeson Holden have driven through defenders for first downs, delivered the blow to a tackler, like in the photo above.
It takes strength and explosion to make a catch like this touchdown from tight end Terrance Ferguson against The Cardinal, pulling the ball down over a defender. At the same time, nine months in the weight room provides the leverage and push the Oregon offensive is getting at the line of scrimmage, standing up the Stanford defense.
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