The offensive comparison really isn't close between these teams. Oregon gets to the redzone on about 20% more drives than Stanford does, and helps flip the field position by about 10 yards more per drive. Stanford does continue to do a good job of not getting caught in the backfield, finding a loss on just 4.7% of their offensive plays.
The Ducks offense this year has been extremely balanced, nearly half of their yards coming through the air and a half on the ground. This split has been at least in part because of the absence of De'Anthony Thomas Thomas has only played in five games so far, and only has 17% of their rushing yards. However, improved play from Marcus Mariotta who has yet to throw a pick this year. Its also been the Byron Marshall show, as the promising sophomore has averaged 6.8 yards per carry this year.
On the defensive side, Stanford's D gets all the press. They make a lot of plays in the backfield, with a 10.5% tackle for loss rate and they get after the QB, pressuring QBs on 16% of their dropbacks. However, the Ducks are no slouches either, as the following chart will show
But the Cardinal do have one of the better linebackers in the nation on their side, in Shayne Skov. Skov has 63 stops this year, seven of them for loss with three and a half sacks. The backer also plays the pass well, breaking up a pair of them.
It will be up to the Stanford defense to determine this game. If they can keep it close the Cardinal have a chance just like last year. However, this isnt the same team as last year, and Oregon's defense hasn't shown any vulnerabilities yet. It will be the makings of an instant classic.
No comments:
Post a Comment