I recognize that some were probably held out due to nagging injuries, but the freshmen did not play very much like freshmen, IMHO. The speed and size of so many is incredibly impressive, and it is apparent that the last two recruiting classes had players that are going to jump players on the depth chart that have been here longer.

I was very surprised to see a true freshman, (Dak Moore) AND a RS freshman in Jeremiah McClellan start at receiver. They jumped a ton of players such as transfer Malik Benson, and veterans such as Justius Lowe and Kyler Kasper.

I was blown over seeing RS freshman DT Tionne Gray starting over Bear Alexander, and LB Jerry Mixon starting over Devon Jackson. (Held out because of injuries?)

In the secondary--you could have knocked me over with a Duck Feather when true freshman Brandon Finney started at corner, joined by RS Freshmen Aaron Flowers and Ify Obidegwu in the secondary along with senior transfer from Ole Miss, Jadon Canady and Purdue transfer Dillon Thieneman. We saw true freshman Na'eem Offord play a ton, along with RS freshman Kingston Lopa.

I did not expect to see this many, especially in the first half, and was impressed with how talented they are. I've never witnessed this much talent assembled at Oregon before...whew!

That's not even counting the freshmen running backs...like Jordan Davison!

Gotta put a smile😀 on your face for the future of OBD!! This kind of young depth is essential for a deep playoff run.

The DEPTH I saw today was awesome! The difference between #1 and #3 is almost miniscule! The more DL can get these young men playing now, the better they (and OBD) will pay dividends in a long season.

247 reports that two freshmen started, (Dak Moore & Brandon Finney) and 12 played, which is more than the one of last year!

Agreed. Not only at the quality starters and rotation players during the first half but also the minimal drop off In intensity and execution by the players (whom most I did not recognize the names of) into the fourth quarter.

Might have been able to start an "all freshman" unit and still would have been competitive.

If this level of depth and player passion continues as the season progresses...well let's just say the possibilities are promising.

Now on to game two. Beatdown time for some 'pokes.

GO DUCKS!

I LOVE the size/height in the secondary. Finally looks like a legit group.

Edited 20 hours ago20 hr by WTD25

"If you're good enough, you're old enough, right?"

Diaper Dandies on Display. So great to see.

Is this possibly a rewarding for the hard work of the young players while resting the veterans in a long season scenario? Also the young players don't come out flat as they have something to prove even against a lesser opponent.

No one wanted to see a repeat of Idaho last year and these guys came ready to play. A clear sign of who the real starters will be is in week 5. Till then it's still an audition with opportunity for resting players and developing players over the long season.

Edited 15 hours ago15 hr by Dave23
Grammar

I think I'm just as impressed how some of the top tier transfers are fighting for a spot against our HS recruits.

I'm really pleased with the level of development I'm seeing from our young talent too.

That freshmen were playing ahead of the No. 1 JC transfer two years ago, (Sione Laulea) and ahead of Dakoda Fields, and veteran Jahlil Florence in the secondary? Wowsa.

I agree that the freshman and other underclassman looked more mature and ready to contribute immediately than prior classes (there were always exceptions). It’s probably a combination of the level of talent and coaching they’ve received along the way. Now it was against an overmatched opponent so I am looking forward to seeing how they do as the level of competition increases.

Mr. FishDuck, you had an article a couple of weeks ago that questioned whether there would be a big falloff after this season due to players we will be losing due to graduation or departures for the NFL. I think we all feel a lot better after seeing the young, uber talented players littered across the roster on Saturday. Oregon has NEVER had this much talent and depth on its roster (e.g., running backs, wide receivers, QBs, defensive line). The future is damn bright in Eugene. Go Ducks!!!

The official box score lists 78 Oregon players who participated for at least one play.

Home games do not include participation restrictions due to travel squad size.

78 is a very high number, even in a blowout game. Very high. For example, last season's close home game with Boise State had 53 Ducks on the field, which in itself is high for a close game.

Whomever the assistant(s) that keeps track of that for coaches, credit is deserved for the logistics of all that during a live action game. And, to the individual players for keeping their heads in the game and being ready instead of joking around on the sideline.

Great sign of the times!! amazing actually.

17 hours ago, Charles Fischer said:

and LB Jerry Mixon starting over Devon Jackson. (Held out because of injuries?)

Jackson had some injuries during camp I remember seeing somewhere. Probably held out for the game to ensure he heals up properly and is ready to go when conference play arrives.

I'm glad the freshman are getting some run early. It gives them valuable on field experience and builds their confidence. Remember back in the Chip Kelly says where the score was so far out of reach so early that nearly every game the 3rd and 4th stringers would have at least a full quarter on the field which prepped them well for the next season. That is a recipe for consistent long term success.