Replenished Oregon ready for OSU’S passing game
EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon's secondary is back to full strength this week with Jamal Hill and DJ James returning from their suspensions, and the infusion of two of the team's best defensive backs could have a big impact on how the Ducks cover Ohio State's stockpile of receivers, particularly in the slot.
On Oregon's depth chart this week Hill, who had 20 tackles with two interceptions and four pass breakups in six games as Oregon's starting nickel last season, is listed as the backup to Bennett Williams. James (14 tackles with a pass breakup as a backup in 2020) is a co-starter with Trikweze Bridges and Dontae Manning.
Regardless of who starts at those positions, Hill and James will alter the reps and rotation at their positions on Saturday.
“I love when (Hill's) available and ready to go because it pushes me to be as good as I can,” Williams said. “I'm pushing him to be as good as he can. At this point it's not competing for a spot anywhere; we're going to share time regardless.
At this point it's preparing ourselves, both of us to be at our best come Saturday.”
Oregon linebackers Justin Flowe and Noah Sewell had a tough first week in pass coverage.
Fresno State managed to free up its primary receiver, Jalen Cropper, for an easy touchdown on a seam route. The Bulldogs later drew a pass interference penalty in the end zone on a throw to their tight end.
“I think overall (Flowe and Sewell) knew where to fit, but at times they got lost," said defensive coordinator Tim Deruyter. "You've got to give Fresno State credit, they give you a lot of different concepts to process. They've got a veteran quarterback and veteran receivers that have really good talent. It's something that was a great test for us.”
Ohio State will surely try to do the same to create mismatches with tight end Jeremy Ruckert. Similar motions and formations can also free up Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson.
“We notice that he's a good tight end,” Williams said. “We're going to have to be smart with our eyes and eye discipline . ... (Wilson) and Olave and (Jaxon Smith-njigba), they move all those guys around. I'm studying each one, what their tendencies are so I guard them a little differently, give them a different look. But at the end of the day it's a one-on-one matchup. You've got to win it. You can do as much film study as you want but if you get out there and you're not locked in on your keys and eye discipline it's not going to work out for you.”