Football Practice Report: Dec. 3

Venue: Outdoor practice fields
Format: Shells

For two years, the slogan has been shouted at practice, posted on signs around Oregon's facilities, and even printed on T-shirts.

The brain child of UO strength and conditioning coach Aaron Feld, "Take the Pac" has been the Ducks' mantra the last two seasons. On Friday, they actually have a chance to do just that.

"It's surreal that we're there," fifth-year senior defensive lineman Drayton Carlberg said. "Because, you know, we've had some valleys. But we're headed up to the mountain peak. And hopefully we can get to the top."

The top of the mountain can be reached Friday in Santa Clara, Calif., where the Ducks will meet Utah in the Pac-12 Championship game. At stake is a spot in the Rose Bowl, although the Utes also could be playing for a berth in the College Football Playoff.

Steve Stephens Outdoor Practice

Five years ago, Carlberg and the rest of Oregon's 2015 recruiting class arrived on a campus with the program still basking in the afterglow of the Ducks' own playoff appearance. That capped the 2014 season that also included Marcus Mariota's Heisman Trophy run, and a conference title.

When the new recruits arrived the next year, they intended to carry on that tradition. They have the chance Friday, but not before they had to endure two coaching changes, and the sting of a four-win season when they were redshirt freshmen in 2016.

"We came into this program where that was kind of the norm, is taking the Pac and winning the Pac-12 and always being competitive in those games," offensive guard Shane Lemieux said. "A lot of us felt like we let down those older guys, and the history of Oregon football. So being back here is really what we're all here to do – every single person on this team is here to win a championship."

The recruiting class of 2016 arrived in time to experience that 4-8 season when they were true freshmen. They've helped the Ducks improve their win total every year of their careers, a rare occurrence in Eugene. That took a lot of hard work behind the scenes, setting different expectations for each other in terms of work ethic on the practice field, and in terms of locker room culture.

Lamar Winston Outdoor Practice

"We've talked about that 4-8 season, and the 7-5 (in 2017) and things like that," senior quarterback Justin Herbert said. "It's been different. We've changed things here. I really like where we are, and we've got a great opportunity on Friday."

That opportunity can be summed up in three words: Take the Pac.

"This is what we've been working for, and now it's real," senior edge defender Bryson Young said. "We can start talking about it, and actually start getting to work on it. We're not taking any day for granted. It's definitely a blessing."

Juwan Johnson Outdoor Practice

Practice highlights: The 2-minute drill was thoroughly entertaining, with practice ending on a touchdown catch by Juwan Johnson that was a carbon copy of Dwayne Stanford's TD reception vs. Washington in 2014. … But first, Herbert and the No. 1 offense had its chance to win that drill. Their drive began well, with a completion to Josh Delgado getting the ball to midfield, and another to Johnny Johnson III moving the chains again. That was a third-down conversion on which Johnson got just past the line to gain; four plays later the offense wasn't so lucky, with Isaac Slade-Matautia stopping Cyrus Habibi-Likio just short of the sticks on fourth down, to get the defense off the field. …

Tyler Shough had a really nice drive directing the No. 2 offense. He completed five passes, all to different receivers, including a nice throw under pressure to Daewood Davis that got the ball past midfield. Passes to Hunter Kampmoyer and Justin Collins got the ball near the red zone, before Shough lofted a passes to Juwan Johnson in the end zone that the big receiver jumped for and spun in the air to catch before coming down with possession. … After going 4-for-4 in kicking drills Monday, Camden Lewis nearly made it a perfect practice week Tuesday. He did miss once, going 7-for-8 for the week, with makes Tuesday from 40 and 49 yards out.

Nick Pickett Outdoor Practice

Other observations: Linebacker Dru Mathis practiced Tuesday, after missing the Oregon State game. UO coach Mario Cristobal said Monday he expects that Mathis will be available to play Friday. … In a continued nod to the rigors of a long season and the short recovery period between the Civil War and the Pac-12 Championship game, the Ducks were in shells rather than full pads Tuesday. … Practice was held outdoors, but the Ducks got little hint of the expected conditions Friday night in Santa Clara, Calif. Conditions in Eugene on Tuesday morning were crisp but clear, while Friday's game could be played in wind and rain.

EQ Manager