THREE OBSERVATIONS:

3. Defense improving every week.

The difference between the Georgia game and now is significant. Simply put, that team was not ready to play defense. The scheme can be difficult to pick up right away while transfers and injuries really hampered whatever development might have been the plan last December. Those who grade the games may not put the pass defense grades as high as the game against Eastern Washington, but this game was better in every respect – except for yards allowed passing. While grades may not be as high as that game – the Ducks are passing the eyeball test in pass defense. Getting Thompson-Robinson to rush his throws has proven difficult for the first six teams that played the Bruins, so it was important for Oregon to get that pressure.

I know that the other six opponents were nowhere near the quality and caliber of the Oregon players, but that should not take away from just how good the pass defense was for the first three quarters. Though the rush defense had their "worst" game of the season, you could tell that the players understood the game plan better, were buying into the new system, and really starting to be more instinctual in their responsibilities.