Author's note: A full transcript of the video will be available by Monday evening.
Here is a written account of my conclusions about the game for those who prefer to use the video only for play breakdowns.
Oregon won this game with explosive plays on offense, the Ducks had 5 plays of 30+ yards while the Wildcats only had 2.
Oregon's offense had an effective game plan from the start. Some unfortunate sloppiness early in the game put them behind, but once that was cleaned up their athletic superiority allowed explosive gains which led to touchdowns.
In the first half Oregon blitzed and defenders were overly aggressive against the run. After halftime fewer rushers were sent and more resources were devoted to pass coverage. Oregon also used greater attention to rush lane discipline in the second half to better limit (though they never eliminated) QB #0 Chiles' scrambling.
Each team had a garbage time possession at the end of the 2nd quarter without sufficient time in the half to realistically score. Northwestern's final offensive drive of the game was with less than 3 minutes left down 8 points forcing them into non-representative play calling, and Oregon's last possession was simply running the clock out. This left Oregon with 10 meaningful possessions while Northwestern had 9.
The following players listed as "out" on the game day availability report are presumed lost for the season: QB #5 Dante Moore, DB #21 Aaron Flowers, ILB #23 Brayden Platt, and OL #56 Trent Ferguson. In addition both DL #55 Matthew Johnson and OL #74 Dave Iuli have been listed as out two weeks in a row (thought Iuli had been replaced as the starting right guard before that).
In recent weeks a combination of injuries and disciplinary issues have kept many wide receivers off the field. In this game the only player listed as "out" was WR #15 Messiah Hampton (who is facing new legal issues). Listed as a "game time decision" WR #2 Iverson Hooks wasn't on the field that I noticed.
Under interim OC Jay Johnson Oregon pushed the ball downfield in the passing game to great effect. Though protection issues and QB #8 Dylan Raiola's mechanics kept efficiency just treading water, the athleticism of the Ducks receivers was a clear mismatch against Northwestern's defenders.
The offensive line continued to block well enough for efficiency runs, any explosive runs relied on Oregon's ball carriers breaking tackles and making open field moves (which they got even after the top two backs left the game injured). Though not targeted in the passing game TE #18 Kendre Harrison was used as the primary blocking TE and performed well in that role.
This offense didn't become championship caliber over night by changing play callers. In addition to the issue of offensive line development, there were still too many ineffective screen passes called and Raiola was asked to make some throws beyond his current abilities.
Listed as "Questionable" on Wednesday, OL #79 Immanuel Ihenacho's name had been removed from the availability report by Saturday but we did not see him play. The offensive line remained the same throughout the entire game, from left to right: #59 OL Fox Crader, #77 Tommy Tofi, OL #72 Iapani Laloulu, OL #55 Douglas Utu, and OL #78 Gernorris Wilson. If he can get in a full week of practice I would like to see Ihenacho get a tryout at one of the tackle spots, but my suspicion is the staff will stick with their current lineup unless a player becomes unavailable.
I only spotted reserve OL #70 Koloi Keli in the #80 jersey in the "jumbo" package that also used OLB #10 Uiagalelei as a TE and OLB #44 Tatum Tuioti as a fullback. Notably the rest of the line was in their normal spots when the formation was used this week instead of the unusual "Oops, all guards" lineup that was deployed against Illinois.
The key to Northwestern's offensive success was QB #0 Chiles' mobility. Of 11 scrambles on called passing plays (rushes or breaking the pocket to throw) he averaged over 13 yards per play and 8 times converted a first down or a touchdown.
Once the Ducks devoted more resources to pass coverage they forced Chiles to play within the structure of the offense. The result was only allowing three 40+ yard field goal attempts after halftime. Oregon gave up 6 explosive plays in each half, the higher percentage after halftime is because Northwestern's final drive was cut as garbage time.
Oregon effectively shut down Northwestern's running game and contained their tight ends. The Wildcat's best pass catcher WR #17 Griffin Wilde did major damage but only had one catch in the second half.
The Ducks' defense continued to play well. The coaches did fall for classic Chip Kelly slight of hand for a time, but adjustments were made. Rush lane discipline against mobile QBs and coaching up the young boundary safeties should be priorities going forward.
All three starting cornerbacks, CB #2 Na'eem Offord, CB #7 Ify Obidegwu, and DB #4 Brandon Finney rotated frequently. Freshman nickel DB #5 Davon Benjamin not only rotated with Finney at the inside spot but also lined up at outside corner at times.
0:00 – Introduction
1:08 – Example of Oregon's explosive passing
4:46 – Example of Oregon's questionable play design for Dylan Raiola
9:02 – Example of continuously ineffective screen passes
10:34 – Example of Oregon's explosive rushing
13:51 – Example of Oregon's offensive line errors
16:38 – Summary of the Offense
17:52 – NU QB #0 Chiles scrambling to run
21:52 – Example of Oregon's over-aggressive first half defense
25:17 – NU QB #0 Chiles scrambling to throw
28:31 – Example of the second half scrambling containment strategy
33:48 – Example of neutralizing Northwestern's rush offense
35:54 – Summary of the Defense
37:09- Conclusion
