The Oregon Ducks did what they wanted to do in Week 11 against the Iowa Hawkeyes: get the win and go home. It wasn’t easy, but they accomplished their only goal.
At Kinnick Stadium, in the rain and against one of the most hard-nosed, physical teams in the nation, contributions were needed across the entire traveling roster. And the Ducks got them in many different ways, picking other position groups up when they most needed it.
Offensively, it wasn’t a pretty day for the pass game. But the run game was strong throughout and especially in the second half. Defensively, the secondary uncharacteristically struggled, succumbing several long pass plays to a previously inept passing attack. Yet the front seven held strong at the line of scrimmage, limiting the Hawkeyes on the ground.
And finally — and arguably most importantly — the special teams as a collective had their best performance of the season. Having taken a hard look at the game, we provided grades and a full analysis on each position group for the Ducks in Week 11.
Quarterbacks
Grade: B
Though Dante Moore‘s final stat line — 13-for-21, 112 yards and an interception — is subpar, the conditions and game script have to be taken into account here. He did just enough to lead the Ducks to a victory, especially on the game-winning drive. Taking the field down a point and with 1:51 left in the game, Moore had just 65 passing yards to his name. But when his team needed him the most, the redshirt sophomore completed five of seven passes for 47 yards and put kicker Atticus Sappington in position to boot the game-winning kick through the uprights. He also ripped off a 49-yard run in the third quarter that led to a Ducks field goal, contributing in a big way at a time when the pass game was heavily struggling.
Running Backs
Grade: A
All three of the team’s available standout running backs excelled. Jordon Davison (eight carries for 52 yards) provided tough running up the middle and key blocks, while Dierre Hill Jr. (seven carries for 45 yards and a touchdown) was a nice change of pace option out of the backfield and bursted around the corner for the Ducks’ lone touchdown. But it was sixth-year senior Noah Whittington who was the bell-cow, as he toted the rock 17 times for 118 yards — much of it directly at the stout Hawkeyes’ defense. Oregon truly wouldn’t have come away with the victory without the help of all three backs, who earn this position room an “A”.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Grade: B-
Expectations for this group had to be tempered when the injury report was published before the game. In that, both wide receiver Dakorien Moore and tight end Kenyon Sadiq were ruled out — Oregon’s top two receivers in catches and yards, with the latter leading the team with five touchdown grabs. Starter Gary Bryant Jr. quickly exited the lineup as well, as he was injured in the first quarter. Backup tight end Jamari Johnson stepped up and led the team with four catches for 36 yards, with little used receivers Cooper Perry and Justius Lowe also recording key catches. Malik Benson‘s late-game grab was as good as it gets, as it helped secure the game-winning field goal attempt. Similar to Dante Moore, this group did just enough to help aid the team in a win.
Offensive Line
Grade: A+
Coming in, it was known that this game was going to be won at the line of scrimmage. And without starting right tackle Alex Harkey, who missed the game due to injury and was replaced by Gernorris Wilson, that was going to a tough task against a strong Iowa defensive line. But right from the start and increasing with effectiveness throughout the game, the Ducks’ offensive line took it to the Hawkeyes. In all, Oregon rushed for 261 yards and 7.3 yards per carry, having success on the edges and, in the second half, right up the gut. They also didn’t give up a single sack, an honorable feat considering Iowa had three defensive lineman who’ve registered four or more sacks this season. It was a banner performance for this group.
Defensive Line
Grade: A
Speaking of the line of scrimmage, the Ducks’ defensive line held strong throughout the afternoon as well. It wasn’t without the Hawkeyes trying, as they handed the ball off to starting running back Kamari Moulton 23 times for 87 yards. In all, Iowa finished with 42 carries for 140 rushing yards (the official stat sheet has them down for 101 yards because of the errant snap on a punt), good for just 3.3 yards per carry. If a team’s entire identity is running the football and they have those marks, they’re simply not going to win many games. Credit the Ducks defensive line, which totaled two sacks and four tackles for loss.
Linebackers
Grade: A
For arguably the first time all season, Bryce Boettcher got some help. It came in the form of fellow ‘backer Jerry Mixon, who blew away his past season-high of five tackles by recording 13 total tackles, including nine of which solo. Boettcher did his thing as well, recording eight tackles and a critical sack. Having to step up and fill holes against a — I’ll say it again — physical team is no small task. But Boettcher and Mixon did it repeatedly and were a huge part of stymying a previously excellent Hawkeyes rushing game.
Secondary
Grade: C
This should’ve been a game that the Ducks top-ranked pass defense ate. But unfortunately for them, they faltered in several key moments. It began with Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski making his first meaningful throw, as he found an open receiver on a wheel route down the sideline. On the next play, he completed an easy pass for a short touchdown. Later in the game, on the Hawkeyes game-leading drive late in the fourth quarter, the secondary allowed a receiver to streak down the middle of the field in a scramble situation, resulting in a 40-yard gain on third-and-five with Iowa deep in their own territory. It was a surprisingly sloppy game from this unit. They’re lucky these mishaps didn’t ultimately cost them the game
Special Teams
Grade: A+
The margins were going to be slim. Everyone who studied up on this matchup knew that. But the margins ended up being even smaller than many predicted — and it came down the the foot of Ducks kicker Atticus Sappington time and again. He finished three-for-three on field goals, converting from 46, 40 and 39 yards out, including the all-important game-winner in the final seconds. The coverage units also held one of the best returners in the country in check throughout the game. But if not for Sappington knocking down those three kicks, we wouldn’t be talking about a Ducks victory right now.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks’ Week 11 report card features several high grades
