Football Practice Recap: Oct. 24
10/24/23 | Football, @GoDucksMoseley
The Ducks are preparing to play at Utah on Saturday (12:30 p.m., FOX).
The Oregon football team practiced in full pads on its outdoor fields Tuesday, as the Ducks continued preparations for their upcoming game at Utah on Saturday (12:30 p.m. PT, FOX).
Coming off a tough win over Washington State, the Ducks are now bowl eligible but still chasing much bigger goals over the second half of the season. Running back Bucky Irving, who needed help off the field at one point against WSU, and cornerback Khyree Jackson, who didn't play in that game, have been participants in practices this week, UO coach Dan Lanning confirmed.
Following Tuesday's practice, local media met with quarterback Bo Nix, receiver Troy Franklin, linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, defensive lineman Casey Rogers and Irving. Video of those interviews is embedded below.
Some highlights from the Q&A with Nix …
On last year's win over Utah, when he played through an injury: "That game meant a lot – not only to me, but the entire team. That was a true team win. It took all of us. I think the defense is who contributed the most last year. They did a great job stopping the run and creating turnovers last year. They really helped us out offensively. We were quite limited, and I was banged up, but we found a way to win the game and I think good teams do that."
On playing with center Jackson Powers-Johnson: "He's really smart and knowledgable of the game. He has great instincts. He plays extremely hard. He plays with extreme effort. I think one of the things he does is provide an elite grit and tenacity up front. He's kind of that nasty O lineman that every team would love to have. And then, he takes command of the O line. He does a good job of communicating. He's really helped us in that spot this year."
On what makes Irving a great player and leader: "I think his perspective on life and his passion for the game of football is special. He really cares for the guys around him in the locker room. He makes a point to be close with everybody. He makes a point to go out of his way and speak with and hang out with all of us. He's just a special teammate."
