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 14 hours ago14 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 9 hours ago9 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.