Back to Basics: How Oregon Used the Bye Week to Re-Emphasize Fundamentals and Get Closer to Full Strength

The Ducks were 3-1 heading into their off-week, but they didn't feel like a 3-1 team. That's why they spent the bye week getting back to fundamental football and looking to get their running game back in synch.

Though the Oregon Ducks jumped out to a 3-1 start to the season, there was a sense around the team that not everything was clicking as it should. While the defense was top-notch, the running game was struggling to get off the ground, and in turn, that made the passing game at times predictable. 

It could be that the Ducks got exactly what they needed in a bye week before they start a stretch of tough conference games. Coach Mario Cristobal told the media on Wednesday that the main focus during their week off was getting back to basics, and re-emphasizing the fundamentals that were laid down in training camp. Without going into too much detail, Cristobal said that they had a very productive two weeks. 

Aside from getting back to basics, the Ducks will now return to the field with two of their best pass-catchers in Brenden Schooler and Mycah Pittman, who have both been cleared to play against Cal. Cristobal said that what has been most difficult in their absence is deciding how much of a load the healthy players could shoulder, and know that the Ducks are nearing full strength, it has left some of the players wanting more touches.