[ad_1]
Location: Outdoor practice fields
Format: Shells
Following a 3-0 improvement over the season with Saturday’s victory over UCLA, the Oregon soccer team will be back in action Friday with a road game at Oregon State (4:30 p.m., ESPN).
Usually Monday is a day off for the ducks. But with this week’s game played a day earlier, practice also started a day earlier. So Oregon was back in action at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex on Monday, in its Tuesday practice format, albeit in shells rather than full nods after playing a game.
Rivalry Week feels different this week than it has in most of Oregon’s game history against Oregon State. The teams have agreed to switch from the previous nickname in the series, and Friday’s game will be played without fans due to the pandemic.
After practice Monday, UO coach Mario cristobal expressed sympathy that Ducks and Beavers fans will not be able to cheer on their teams in person.
“I feel for the fans, I do it,” Cristobal said. “Because you can feel the excitement, the energy, the anticipation for games like this, in the community.”
On the court, Oregon goes from a narrow 38-35 victory over UCLA in which the Bruins responded to their starting quarterback’s absence by relying on a fast-track three-option offense to keep the Ducks on their heels. Oregon forced four turnovers and turned all four into touchdowns, but the Ducks know they need to tighten up some things on the defensive end this week.
“We know that there are areas that are not at our level at the moment,” defensive coordinator Andy Avalos said.
But, he continued, there is also enthusiasm to work to improve these areas and improve as the season progresses. And the Ducks know they can’t relax this week, given the prospect of facing reigning Pac-12 of the Week, Oregon State running back Jermar Jefferson.
Jefferson racked up 196 yards in a win over Cal last week, including a 75-yard touchdown on his first carry and a 65-yard gain in the fourth quarter.
“It’s a bigger back that has this explosive step,” Avalos said. “He hits the crease, he has the speed to go the distance.”
As the Ducks prepare to become entangled with Jefferson and the OSU attack, they had a welcome sight in Monday practice. First year middle linebacker Noah Sewell (above), the starter for each of the past two weeks, was in gear and was a full participant, two days after leaving the field on Saturday in the back of a motorized cart due to an injury to the leg.
Practice highlights: In 1 on 1 exercises, Mykael Wright intercepted a pass, and Devon williams made a jumping grab from a back pass. … During a period of service, young fellows made their presence felt. Converted receiver JR Waters interrupted a pass at his new position, cornerback, running stride for stride with a spread on a deep ball. Keyon Ware-Hudson had big back-to-back games, teaming up with Kristian williams (below) on a loss tackle, then sacking the QB to the next rep. …
Jaylen smith continues to help on the offensive line and shows skill, despite his signing as a defensive lineman and his bright future. This morning’s passing drill was done with his back to the goal line, and on two separate occasions Smith lined up on the left tackle, turned his man on the outside and continued to spin him. – and back it up – to the back of the end. zoned. … Isaah crocker continues to work with the No.2 offense after joining that group last week, and on Monday he had a sweaty dive grip, barely keeping the ball from hitting the turf.
Other observations: Cristobal said placement position was an open competition this week, after a 1 of 4 start to season by sophomore Camden lewis. The other best candidate is Henry katleman, who was 4 of 4 in Monday’s practice period for kickers. … Jordan happle’s versatility continues to pay off for the Ducks. He started field safety two weeks ago, and boundary safety last week, before his pick six against UCLA helped him earn Pac-12 Player of the Week honors. . On Monday, he got a few reps at a third position in the secondary, sometimes working with the No.2 nickel defense.
[ad_2]
Source link