09-23-2018, 01:20 PM
Since I live overseas, I only managed to watch the game this afternoon/early evening. Here are my takes:
1) Herbert is an incredible QB and sliced and diced our defense in the first half.
2) Oregon is back: the Ducks looked good; and Cristobal has instilled a new spirit in that team.
3) I do not want to blame the play-calling in the first half too much, but it appears evident at this stage of the season that a) most teams can find a way to scheme against our over-usage of Bryce Love in the run-game and b) the current state of our O-line does not make this part of the offense effective. Watching Herbert and the Ducks, I saw clearly that they were using the pass to set up the run. The Oregon O-line looked more solid than ours; but it helps the running backs a lot when they can often be the second option and not always the first.
4) Shaw needs to get more creative in how he uses Love. I believe he owes it to Love to get him in more favorable situations in space that allow him to use his acceleration and speed. Simply hammering him into the brick wall of defenders does a brobdingnagian disservice to him.
5) Costello is maturing excellently. What a clutch performance in the second half with the team completely standing with their backs to the wall.
6) His receivers were equally stellar. I hope the learning from this game is that it's OK to evolve the offense and use the strengths of the personnel without totally abandoning Stanford's identity. Shaw has often been called stubborn. Now is a moment of truth: when we travel to South Bend next weekend, we cannot hope for a miracle comeback largely based on the opponent's own self-inflicted wounds. We need to win straight up.
7) I was shocked at how effortlessly Herbert moved the offense against our defense. I think I counted only two sacks (maybe three). The defense that led the nation in PPG per game (23 in total this year) gave up 31 in this game alone. Credit to Herbert and the Oregon offense, but it makes me worry about our battles with UW and Notre Dame.
8) Overall, I was impressed with the resilience the team showed. That game risked being UW 2016 redux; but, with the help of some Oregon gaffes, the team clawed its way back into the game and never gave up. Duck fans are crying foul at the officiating, but I only saw one truly legitimate miss, which was a no-call on a PI on the first play of OT (Adebo in the end-zone).
9) Going forward, the two major issues this team needs to solve is a) the O-line and its run blocking (or lack thereof) and b) shifting Bryce Love's role in the offense. The way he is now being used is ineffective and risks getting him injured. Plus, it is destroying his draft stock.
1) Herbert is an incredible QB and sliced and diced our defense in the first half.
2) Oregon is back: the Ducks looked good; and Cristobal has instilled a new spirit in that team.
3) I do not want to blame the play-calling in the first half too much, but it appears evident at this stage of the season that a) most teams can find a way to scheme against our over-usage of Bryce Love in the run-game and b) the current state of our O-line does not make this part of the offense effective. Watching Herbert and the Ducks, I saw clearly that they were using the pass to set up the run. The Oregon O-line looked more solid than ours; but it helps the running backs a lot when they can often be the second option and not always the first.
4) Shaw needs to get more creative in how he uses Love. I believe he owes it to Love to get him in more favorable situations in space that allow him to use his acceleration and speed. Simply hammering him into the brick wall of defenders does a brobdingnagian disservice to him.
5) Costello is maturing excellently. What a clutch performance in the second half with the team completely standing with their backs to the wall.
6) His receivers were equally stellar. I hope the learning from this game is that it's OK to evolve the offense and use the strengths of the personnel without totally abandoning Stanford's identity. Shaw has often been called stubborn. Now is a moment of truth: when we travel to South Bend next weekend, we cannot hope for a miracle comeback largely based on the opponent's own self-inflicted wounds. We need to win straight up.
7) I was shocked at how effortlessly Herbert moved the offense against our defense. I think I counted only two sacks (maybe three). The defense that led the nation in PPG per game (23 in total this year) gave up 31 in this game alone. Credit to Herbert and the Oregon offense, but it makes me worry about our battles with UW and Notre Dame.
8) Overall, I was impressed with the resilience the team showed. That game risked being UW 2016 redux; but, with the help of some Oregon gaffes, the team clawed its way back into the game and never gave up. Duck fans are crying foul at the officiating, but I only saw one truly legitimate miss, which was a no-call on a PI on the first play of OT (Adebo in the end-zone).
9) Going forward, the two major issues this team needs to solve is a) the O-line and its run blocking (or lack thereof) and b) shifting Bryce Love's role in the offense. The way he is now being used is ineffective and risks getting him injured. Plus, it is destroying his draft stock.