ESPN.com - Morris, Harrington lead explosive offense

ESPN.com: College Football

Thursday, September 28, 2000
Morris, Harrington lead explosive offense

By John Mackovic
Special to ESPN.com

The Ducks are for real. But for a controversial call at Wisconsin, they would be undefeated and in the top 10.

Oregon was very impressive last week against UCLA. There won't be any letdown against Washington. In fact, expect a more spirited game with the Autzen Stadium crowd still high from last week.

It is important for the players to realize they cannot just turn it on this week like they did last week. Players and coaches must start fresh with their preparation and work. Do not maintain the flame -- relight the fire.

Game Plan: No. 25 Oregon

Offense:

Keep on doin' what you're doin'.

Spread 'em out and get one-on-one coverage.

Take Morris quickly to outside running game.
Defense:

Constantly change up looks on Tuiasosopo.

Corners take wide receivers out of game.

Use delayed blitzes on outside vs. bootlegs.
Kicking:

Use knowledge of wind pattern for advantage.

Use fake vs. hard rush on punt.
Players:

Rest as much as possible Friday.

Forget last week -- get into this game fast.

Never give up -- you have Joey.
Coaches:

Spring something new early on Huskies.

Emphasize 60-minute game -- will take all day.

Stay with game plan even if behind early.

What can you say about Joey Harrington? He stands in there, delivers the ball, leads the team and makes big plays when needed. Harrington was the difference in the UCLA game with his heroics on fourth down.

He has a host of talented receivers who can run like the wind -- keep an eye on Keenan Howry and Marshaun Tucker. Justin Peelle, who is most known for his blocking, can also stretch a defense to its limit.

And if you drop too many people to double-cover, Maurice Morris can catch and run as well as any back in the country. Morris has gained 473 yards already, and has scored five touchdowns. He appears to have the strength to slug it up in there when needed.

The Ducks are averaging 430 yards a game on offense, and the secret is the balance of Morris, Harrington and a young but improved offensive line.

DeShaun Foster, Ryan McCann and the UCLA Bruins got plastered by the Oregon defense last week. Minus-9 yards total on the ground! I don't know if the Duck defense can play as well this week, but it will be fun to watch and find out.

The use of overload blitzes caused McCann to rush his passes and thus throw wildly. When McCann had time, he could not find an open receiver with all of the drop coverages allowing Saul Patu and Seth McEwen to humiliate the offensive line with their well-timed line stunts.

Having an entirely rebuilt defensive can be an advantage early in the season, since other teams have no real scouting report on the new players. By now, the Huskies have seen enough of the Ducks to know they have their work cut out for them. Oregon's coaches should be concerned about one-on-one coverage, and the possibility of giving up big plays like they did against UCLA.

Josh Frankel has kicked eight field goals this year, and his familiarity with the wind patterns of Autzen could prove to be a real advantage. With the changing of the weather, the winds start to pick up and knowing what to expect is important.