Football Practice Report: Nov. 26
11/26/19 | Football, @GoDucksMoseley
The Ducks practiced in full pads Tuesday to get ready for the Civil War in Autzen Stadium on Saturday (1 p.m., Pac-12 Network).
Venue: Moshofsky Center
Format: Full pads
It wasn't that long ago that Oregon football practices featured music nearly throughout. These days, it's likely only to be heard during pre-practice stretching. But although the music went quiet as drills began Tuesday, it was still loud inside the Moshofsky Center.
After stretching, the Ducks went immediately into tackling drills Tuesday morning. As the drill progressed, the sound of pads popping got progressively louder. That intensity carried over into team situations; Verone McKinley III popped a receiver to break up a pass in the first 11-on-11 period, and a few minutes later Isaac Slade-Matautia hit the edge and smacked a wideout who had just received a short pass.
It sounded, in short, like the Ducks had some frustrations to work out, after their loss Saturday at Arizona State.
"You got the taste in your mouth that you hadn't had for a while, obviously," defensive coordinator Andy Avalos said. "… There were more (missed tackles) on one play than we've had in a half. That falls on to me to make sure, in practice, that our urgency to make those plays is there. Because if it's not there in practice, it won't be there in games."
Oregon's breakdowns at ASU involved more than missed tackles. There were coverage issues too, and on offense the passing game didn't click until well into the fourth quarter. The defense kept the Ducks in the game despite the slow start on offense, but just when the Ducks started moving the ball and putting up points, the defense faltered.
"You've gotta acknowledge the faults, acknowledge what we did wrong," senior linebacker Troy Dye said. "We came out slow, and played slow for three quarters. … They played their best game and we didn't. Shout out to them; they did a good job. We've just got to get better."
There's no time to waste for the Ducks, who host the Civil War on Saturday (1 p.m., Pac-12 Network). Oregon State needs a win to become bowl eligible, and Beaver fans would revel in seeing their team qualify for a postseason berth by beating their rival.
The Ducks know that, and know how much UO fans want to see the season get back on track, with the Rose Bowl still very much within Oregon's grasp.
"It's means a lot to this community; it means a lot to this program," senior offensive lineman Shane Lemieux said. "We feel that."
Practice highlights: Practice ended with a "good on good" drill heavy on run plays. With the ones on the field, Travis Dye had a couple carries on which he sliced through the line and was able to chew up some yards. With the twos up, Darrian Felix found it tougher going; Mase Funa, MJ Cunningham and Jamal Hill all made stops near the line with Felix carrying the ball. … In the first 11-on-11 period of the day, Felix took reps with the No. 1 offense, and had more success, bouncing one run outside and dancing through the defense on another. Sean Dollars ran with the twos; he had a couple nice gains to the outside, but also was stopped near the line on one carry by Sione Kava. …
During pass-rush drills, Steven Jones and DJ Johnson had three really competitive reps against each other. Typically each tandem squares off twice, but after each of those two won a rep, they held a tiebreaker; seemed like Johnson might have gotten the edge, but it was close. Brandon Dorlus put a blocker on this back in the drill, and Isaac Townsend got his fellow defensive linemen all fired up with a couple spirited battles against Jonah Tauanu'u. … In field-goal drills, Camden Lewis was a perfect 6-for-6. He made three kicks from the right hash, two from the left and one from the middle of the field, a 42-yard attempt with the entire team huddled around him and screaming as a distraction.
Other observations: The Ducks stayed inside the Moshofsky Center for practice Tuesday, but they plan to go outside at least twice later in the week in preparation for whatever the weather conditions might end up being Saturday. … As reported Monday by Mario Cristobal, both Jaylon Redd and Jake Hanson were suited up Tuesday after missing time in the ASU game due to injury. … Isaah Crocker had a scout-team jersey on at the start of practice but soon after switched to a green offensive jersey, and took reps with the twos.
Post-practice interviews:
Offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo
Defensive coordinator Andy Avalos
Senior linebacker Troy Dye
Senior offensive lineman Shane Lemieux
