Football Practice Report: Sept. 12
09/12/17 | Football, @GoDucksMoseley
The Ducks remained in Eugene rather than seeking elevation in Central Oregon, and veterans set the tone to make sure it was a normal workday.
Venue: Outdoor practice fields
Format: Full pads
Late Monday afternoon, the Ducks were planning to practice Tuesday in Gilchrist, a Central Oregon town sitting around 4,500 feet of elevation. That would have given players a taste of what the air will be like Saturday, when Oregon plays above 7,000 feet at Wyoming (4 p.m. PT, CBS Sports Network).
When UO coach Willie Taggart awoke Tuesday, he thought otherwise. "Just a change of heart," the first-year head coach said Tuesday afternoon, before the Ducks practiced on their Hatfield-Dowlin Complex fields as usual. "Stay here and get back to work."
And there was work to be done, for a UO football team happy to be 2-0 after last week's win over Nebraska, but still smarting a bit from a second half in which the Ducks went scoreless, and the Cornhuskers rallied to within a touchdown, 42-35.
The Ducks had seven possessions in the second half, prior to Ugochukwu Amadi's game-clinching interception. They went three-and-out twice, turned it over on an interception and a fumble, and also missed a field goal. Going 1-of-6 on third down kept the UO offense from establishing its tempo.
"Every time we started getting something going, we shot ourselves in the foot," co-offensive coordinator Mario Cristobal said. "When it comes to a matter of execution, we take that upon ourselves as coaches. We've got to be better."
Tuesday's practice started the way Saturday's game ended, as the Ducks got back to work following a day off. In the first extended team period against scouts, Darrian Felix broke off a couple long runs against the No. 1 defense, and Justin Herbert threw a pass that was intercepted by Sean Killpatrick.
But key veterans let it be known that wasn't good enough. Troy Dye wrapped up a scout running back near the line and planted him on his back later in that period. During the mid-practice hydration break, fiery linebacker Kaulana Apelu rousingly rallied the team, and later Herbert threw another interception but sprinted down the field and firmly wrapped up the defender, to the delight of coaches and teammates.
On a day that started a little discombobulated, veterans made sure the Ducks got in their work.
Other highlights: Herbert really started to click in 7-on-7. On the first rep he quickly recognized a coverage breakdown and zipped a pass to Charles Nelson for a long gain. He launched a bomb down the sideline to Johnny Johnson III, who leapt and spun around 360 degrees in the air to catch in and land with possession. The period ended with another deep ball, to Brenden Schooler for a touchdown. …
Herbert wasn't the only quarterback to shine at times Tuesday. In the early period when the scouts stood out, Mike Irwin completed a couple deep balls, including one on which Thomas Graham Jr. made a great break on the ball but saw it somehow go through his arms; Demetri Burch showed great concentration to haul it in and continue up the sideline. And in 7-on-7, Taylor Alie fired a missile that split a linebacker and a safety and was hauled in by Taj Griffin.
Other observations: The Ducks practiced in their apple green game helmets, a possible preview of their headgear Saturday in Wyoming. … There are three tackles competing for two spots on the No. 2 offensive line. Brady Aiello is the mainstay, either on the right side when George Moore is at left tackle, or on the left side when Logan Bathke is at right tackle. … The Ducks plan to practice again in the afternoon on Tuesday.
Pre-practice interviews:
Co-offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo
Co-offensive coordinator Mario Cristobal
Receivers coach Michael Johnson
