$5 Takeaways From Oregon Ducks\' Victory On Saturday$

5 Takeaways From Oregon Ducks' Victory On Saturday

By Phillip Jacques

Five Takeaways From Oregon's Victory Over Washington

Oregon Five Takeaways From Victory — The Oregon Ducks faced a tough home challenge from a stout Washington Huskies defense but came out of the contest unscathed, easily defeating the Huskies 45-20. Here are five things we learned about the Ducks as a result of their victory.

5. Oregon's Defense Stepped Up When They Needed a Big Home Victory

Oregon Defense Shuts Down Washington

5. Oregon's Defense Stepped Up When They Needed a Big Home Victory

Oregon Defense Shuts Down Washington — Oregon's defense was ranked second to last in the Pac-12 coming into tonight, allowing 470.3 yards per game. However, the Ducks' defense came up huge in this contest, holding the visiting Huskies to 316 yards and getting two big turnovers against Cyler Miles when the Huskies looked like they might be mounting a comeback.

4. Notre Dame Defeat and Baylor Loss Vault Ducks Back Into National Championship Contention

Brian Kelly Complains After Notre Dame Loss

4. Notre Dame Defeat and Baylor Loss Vault Ducks Back Into National Championship Contention

Brian Kelly Complains After Notre Dame Loss — Oregon has a very favorable schedule the rest of the year, and if they can win the rest of their games and the Pac-12 Championship game, they should be right in the mix at the top of the standings. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Baylor Bears both lost this week and will fall in the standings, and the Ole Miss Rebels and Mississippi State Bulldogs still face each other to close out their seasons.

3. Oregon's Offensive Line Woes Are Behind Them

Oregon Offensive Line Solid

3. Oregon's Offensive Line Woes Are Behind Them

Oregon Offensive Line Solid — Jake Fisher returned last week and the line held the UCLA Bruins without a sack in the contest. Washington, who was third in the nation in sacks with 25 coming into the game, was able to get three sacks against Marcus Mariota, but they rarely got pressure on him otherwise, not to mention the running lanes the Ducks offensive line opened up for Royce Freeman, which led to a career high in rushing yards.

2. Marcus Mariota Is the Frontrunner for the Heisman

Marcus Mariota Heisman Frontrunner

2. Marcus Mariota Is the Frontrunner for the Heisman

MarcusMariota2 — Marcus Mariota came into the game as one of the leaders in the race for the Heisman and managed an efficient game for the Ducks, throwing for 336 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, facing a Huskies defense that led the nation in turnover margin at +14, he didn't turn the ball over and kept the offense moving against one of the toughest front sevens in college football.

1. Freshman Running Back Royce Freeman Breaks Out Against Washington

Royce Freeman Breaks Out For Oregon

1. Freshman Running Back Royce Freeman Breaks Out Against Washington

Royce Freeman Breaks Out For Oregon — Freeman came into the game leading the team with seven touchdowns on 85 rushing attempts, but he had only one game with over 100 rushing yards. Against Washington, the fourth-best rushing defense in the Pac-12 coming into the game allowing only 117.5 yards per game, he pummeled their defense for 169 yards and four touchdowns and is quickly becoming a threat on the ground that can open up the passing game for Marcus Mariota.

Phillip Jacques is a Pac-12 Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Teams in this article »

Oregon Ducks

•

Washington Huskies

Share On Facebook

Share