Number 6, 4-0 Oregon hosts 3-2 Michigan State tonight in Autzen Stadium, 6:00 P.M. on the Fox Network, Channel 12 in the Portland Metro area. For the Ducks the mission is simple: Tree an old fox and continue the improvement that’s shaping them into a playoff contender.
They’re not there yet, but they’ve shown signs every week of becoming the team their preseason hype said they were. Other than a too-close matchup with Boise State, the Oregon defense hasn’t allowed more than 14 points in a game while limiting opponents to 4.5 yards a play and 50.8% completions. Oregon ranks third in the nation in passes defended with 32, four interceptions, 28 breakups. They’ve been tough and tenacious on the defensive line, too, with 11 sacks in four games.
While they struggled to contain Austin Jeanty (everyone will) that defensive front has held their other three opponents to less than three yards a carry, stopping the run with a consistency that suggests they’ve found their pride as a unit. Jordan Burch, Derrick Harmon and Bryce Boettcher have led a Front 7 that’s limiting opponents to 33.93% conversions on third down.