10 takeaways from No. 6 Oregon’s win over No. 3 Penn State No. 6 Oregon defeated No. 3 Penn State 30-24 in double overtime on Saturday at Beaver Stadium. Here are 10 takeaways from the game as the Ducks (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) enter a bye week before hosting No. 8 Indiana (5-0, 2-0) on Oct. 11. 1) A masterclass performance Dan Lanning, Will Stein and Tosh Lupoi put forth their best all-around performance at Oregon. Given the caliber of opponent, being on the road and the knowns and unknowns entering the game, Oregon had its best and most dominant performance for nearly 50 minutes. Yes, Penn State rallied to tie the game, forced overtime and led in overtime. It’s a very good team with talent and good coaches too. But the Ducks had answers all night. They put their players in better positions throughout. Their plan entering and within the game was superior. Oregon’s top players performed well and were weapons throughout. Penn State’s best offensive players were largely silenced and its top defenders did not cause havoc. UO was more productive, efficient and disruptive from start to finish. 2) Oregon’s offseason answers were better than Penn State’s Penn State was widely picked to win the Big Ten because of all it had returning and all it added. It wasn’t supposed to have glaring weaknesses anymore after adding three transfer receivers. Jim Knowles calling the defense was supposed to take that unit to another level while also damaging Ohio State in the process. Oregon was perceived to have more unknowns entering the season. Was Dante Moore going to be an effective starter? Was the running game going to improve? Was there enough depth at receiver? How would four new starters on the offensive line gel? How would the defense perform when replacing nine starters, including the entire secondary? Led by a combination of players who have been developing behind older players the past two years and some prominent transfers, the Ducks showed their answers were better than what the Nittany Lions have right now. 3) Dante Moore is one of the top players in the country In his first major test, Moore showed the caliber of play necessary to win at the highest level. He wasn’t perfect; but he made some critical plays in the air and on the ground. With the game on the line, Moore made some terrific decisions and put his body on the line to win. And in a matchup with Drew Allar, who was widely viewed as the top returning quarterback in the Big Ten, Moore delivered on a massive stage. 4) Oregon’s running back group is special It’s still too early to declare where the Ducks’ group of rushers ranks in the Big Ten, let alone nationally. But suffice to say this group is special. Dierre Hill Jr. is rapidly ascending to the point that he could be the starter after the bye week. He provides a level of speed and power that is hard to find. Jordon Davison has been a great short yardage weapon but clearly offers more than that. Noah Whittington’s experience and proven abilities will make it hard to drop him far in any rotation. Jayden Limar has a role, even if the freshmen push past him. With such depth it’s going to be hard for any one player to produce enough to earn the accolades that some other backs will in the Big Ten, but Oregon’s volume of options is hard to beat. 5) The offensive line handled the toughest road test they’ll face There won’t be a more difficult environment for the offensive line to play in this season. Having only two pre-snap penalties, one by a tight end, while having a silent count and up against some elite rushers is extremely hard to do. 6) This secondary is playoff caliber With the exception of one terrific pass, Oregon’s secondary had a terrific game and legitimized its already strong season. Ify Obidegwu, Brandon Finney Jr., Sione Laulea and Theran Johnson were basically never tested in coverage. Aaron Flowers continues to play well and make plays in run support. Jadon Canady won’t be unheralded for much longer. Dillon Thieneman seals the win. Oregon’s biggest defensive weakness is no longer its secondary, which should be able to matchup with any Big Ten receiving corps. 7) Bear Alexander, A’mauri Washington had their best games to date Alexander and Washington each had five tackles, which given Penn State’s run game was not entirely surprising. But their impact was beyond production. Oregon’s defensive tackles blew up plays and got movement against one of the top offensive lines in the league. 8) Mistakes still happened The win can’t overshadow the errors. Whether you believe it was the right call or a fortunate break on Noah Whittington’s near fumble, that play and the fumbled exchange between Moore and Limar in overtime did happen. Devonte Ross’ first touchdown was a well-designed play, but still could have been defended better. 9) Penalties to monitor Oregon was only called for four penalties and Penn State was called for two. There were few called in last year’s Big Ten Championship game as well. Officials allowing for the best teams to decide the game should be appreciated, but not expected to be the norm. Future opponents are going to harp on some calls that weren’t made against Oregon, especially on the line of scrimmage. 10) Heisman leader showdown awaits The top 10 matchup with Indiana in two weeks will also feature two of the front runners in the Heisman race. As strong as Oregon fans feel about Moore, and for good reason, Indiana fans are ecstatic about Fernando Mendoza and his 16 passing touchdowns. https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/20...om-no-6-oregons-win-over-no-3-penn-state.html
Akili Smith looked better in his first spring game than Novosad did as a freshman. What tools is Akili Smith missing? He has better size than anybody on the roster. Has a quick release and can move his feet. His dad taught him how to play QB. Why don't you think he has mechanics or tools?
