Oregon Offensive Keys to the Game vs. No. 3 Washington Huskies

The Ducks offense gets another shot at the Huskies, who have a good but not great defense.

The No. 5 Oregon Ducks roll into Las Vegas on Friday with one of the most explosive offenses in the country. 

Quarterback Bo Nix has had a phenomenal year and he should keep that going against the No. 3 Washington Huskies, who have an average defense, but one with plenty of talent. 

Here are my offensive keys for the Ducks in the Pac-12 Championship game.

1. Move the chains/convert third downs

Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

Putting together sustained drives will be key for the Ducks against the Huskies. Ideally they'd like to just have explosive plays and put up as many points as they can.

But if it's a battle they're going to need to move the chains. Those are the critical points of the game and when teams sometimes have to settle for field goals. Given Camden Lewis' recent struggles, I bet the Ducks would rather not have to make that decision. 

Move the chains, wear down the defense and keep putting up points.

2. Play clean/disciplined football

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

You could put this key on their side of the ball, but penalties on the offensive line have popped up at the worst time for this team.

Penalties can stall or even kill drives, so if there's one game that the Ducks will need to show up and play disciplined ball, it's this one. The offensive line has been dominant this year and should head into Friday's game with all the confidence in the world. EDGE Bralen Trice will be priority No. 1 for Oregon to win the line of scrimmage.

3. Establish the run

Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

Just because it's a big stage, there's no reason to overcomplicate the game plan. Oregon has an elite offensive line and an elite stable of running backs.

Take the action right at Washington and run the ball with Bucky Irving and Jordan James to build their confidence early. The balance of Oregon's offense should be a major advantage on Friday.

They can wear their opponents down by hammering them with the run or take the top off the defense with explosive plays. Establishing the run early makes everything easier as the game unfolds.

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