Virginia Cavaliers Face the High-Powered Oregon Ducks
The Atlanta Coast Conference Virginia Cavaliers will have their hands full today when they host the high flying Oregon Ducks in Charlottesville.
Oregon enters the matchup as the No 3 ranked team in the nation. The Ducks have one of the most potent offenses in the country. This is the farthest east the Ducks have been since 1977 when they faced the Georgia Bulldogs.
This is the first time the Ducks have faced a team from the ACC during a regular season matchup. Oregon currently holds the longest win streak on the road at 15 consecutive games.
Last weekend the Ducks opened their season against Nicholls State and had eight drives for touchdowns that lasted less than two minutes apiece. The offensive powerhouse generated 772 yards for the game.
Virginia faced an up tempo offense in their season opener a week ago against BYU. The Cougars had 93 plays on offense for 362 yards against Virginia. Last Saturday BYU averaged just 16 seconds per play. Nevertheless, the Cavaliers were victorious 19-16.
The difference Virginia will see this week against Oregon is the team speed for the Ducks. The plays are similar when run out of the spread formation, but Oregon’s speed on offense is unmatched.
De’Anthony Thomas the junior running back for Oregon has 128 yards on the ground last week. Marcus Mariota, the sophomore quarterback for Oregon rushed for 113 yards as the Ducks racked up 500 yards rushing.
Oregon ran 12 plays for 25 yards or more in the game. The Ducks easily defeated Nicholls State 66-3.
On the defense side of the ball, Oregon had six sacks in the game. Torrodney Prevot, the Ducks’ freshman linebacker recorded five tackles, one forced fumble and one sack in his Oregon debut.
David Watford the starting quarterback for Virginia completed 18 of his 32 passes last week for 114 versus BYU. The game was the first start of Watford’s career at Virginia. The Cavaliers were able to score on two short drives.
Anthony Harris, the Defensive Back of the Week for the ACC helped set up the two Cavaliers’ touchdown drives by intercepting a pass and blocking a punt. Virginia recorded three sacks in the game and one turnover.
Virginia’s all time record against teams ranked in the top 5 is 2-17-1 SU, including a home record of 2-6-1.
Oregon has a record of 3-0 SU since 2000 when playing on the east coast.
Colt Lyerla, the junior tight end for Oregon had a rushing touchdown for the Ducks last week. That has prompted his coaches to consider having him rush for short-yardage and in late game situations.
The line currently has Oregon favored by 24 points with the overall under on 61. Smart money is taking the Ducks less the points and the UNDER.
