Oregon Defensive Keys to the Game vs. No. 13 Utah

Utah's offense has been hot and cold this year despite their 6-1 record.

The No. 8 Oregon Ducks storm into Salt Lake City this weekend for a top-15 showdown against the No. 13 Utah Utes. 

Tosh Lupoi and Dan Lanning's defense have shown clear improvement from 2022 to 2023, and they'll face another tough test on Saturday when they descend on Rice-Eccles Stadium. 

Here are my three defensive keys for the Ducks to come away with a win.

1. Stop the Run

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Utah is averaging 183.3 rushing yards per game behind the powerful duo of Ja'Quinden Jackson and Sione Vaki. While it's crucial for Oregon to establish the run offensively, it may be even more important that they stop the run on defense.

Bryson Barnes rose to the occasion last week against USC, delivering some late-game heroics, but aside from that the numbers show he's been average for the Utes. With Utah's physicality they're going to want to establish the run to control the game and take some pressure off of Barnes, a former walk-on now on scholarship. 

Oregon's depth in the trenches will come into play here, as they've been able to rotate in bodies all year and haven't seen much of a drop off. If the Ducks can stop, or at the very least contain the best backfield they've faced to this point, it'll go a long way in stifling Utah's offense. 

2. Win the Turnover Battle

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

I'm expecting this game to be close and points could be hard to come by for both teams. Oregon's defense is nearly back to full strength with the exception of Bryan Addison, so they'll have their playmakers.

Tosh Lupoi and Dan Lanning are going to need those playmakers to step up and take the ball away from the Utes. Oregon's offense has the fewest turnovers in college football, so I expect Bo Nix and company to take care of the ball.

Creating turnovers could be the difference in Salt Lake City. A strong run defense and an improved pass rush that's registered 25 sacks should make it tough on Bryson Barnes and the Utes. I expected this defense to generate more turnovers than they have this year, and Saturday is the perfect time for some key takeaways against an offense that is vulnerable.

3. Protect the Sticks/Third-Down Defense

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Getting off the field is important in every game, but it's even more important with a huge matchup like this one. Utah's offense has struggled this year, so the Ducks need to be aware of where the sticks are and get off the field on third down. 

You can't afford to give them more opportunities than they deserve, and the Utes' third-down offense this year hasn't been great, converting at a rate of 36.19%. Fortunately for the Ducks, their third-down defense has improved from a season ago.

Opponents are converting on 33.67% of third downs this year, compared to 46.82% in 2022. Keep the game in front of you and get Bo Nix and an explosive offense back on the field.

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