Finding rhythm on offense critical for Ducks to make title game
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We’re halfway there. With an Orange Bowl victory over the Texas Tech Red Raiders, the Oregon Ducks have won two of the four needed games in the College Football Playoff on their path to claim a national title. Just one win separates them from the championship game — but it won’t be easy in the slightest.
Standing in the Ducks‘ way are the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers, who hold a 14-0 record this season, won the 2025 Big Ten championship and already have a win over Oregon at Autzen Stadium in Week 7 on their resume.
That game was nearly three months ago, and both teams have changed and evolved since then.
But one thing that didn’t change from Oregon’s last game against Texas Tech and their matchup with Indiana is their lack of pinpoint execution offensively. Against Indiana, quarterback Dante Moore threw two costly fourth-quarter interceptions, and the Ducks scored just 13 offensive points.
Against the Red Raiders, Oregon had just one touchdown in the first 59:44, scoring a meaningless touchdown to make the score 23-0 in the final seconds.
Against Indiana, however, the offense will have to have a better day, ESPN college football analyst Andrea Adelson says.
“Oregon can [reach the national title game if it] finds its rhythm on offense,” she wrote.”There is no question the Oregon offense did not play its best game, but some of that is because the Texas Tech defense created problems for the Ducks — completely shutting down the run game and forcing them out of their trademark rhythm. Dan Lanning also went for it eight times on fourth down, converting just four chances. It is one thing to be aggressive when you believe you are in control of the game, another if the game seems like it can swing on a fourth-down call. If Oregon can get into an offensive groove — and stay out of some of those fourth-down situations — and the defense can stay aggressive, they have a great chance to reach the title game.”
The Hoosiers scored 38 points in the Rose Bowl against Alabama, with quarterback Fernando Mendoza completing 14 of 16 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns. Both of their top running backs, Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black, rushed for over 89 yards, each scoring a touchdown.
Simply put, the Hoosiers were firing on all cylinders offensively — making it imperative that the Moore-led Oregon offense does the same when the two teams meet in the CFP semifinals.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: ESPN breaks down how the Ducks can beat Indiana in CFP semifinal
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