Oregon Football: 5 takeaways from 2019 spring game

EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 13: Running back CJ Verdell #34 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates with teammates after scoring the winning touchdown in overtime of the game against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks won the game 30-27. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

3. Defense still adjusting to Andy Avalos, but looked solid

When Jim Leavitt left the program suddenly, all eyes turned to Mario Cristobal and what he would do with that vacancy at defensive coordinator. He hired Boise State’s Andy Avalos and the new coordinator has had just a short period of time to get acquainted with his new team and bring his coaching style to the Ducks.

The spring game was the first opportunity for fans to see if the defense would continue trending in the right direction under Avalos or take a step back and it’s safe to say it’s still solid.

Sure, Justin Herbert and Tyler Shough combined to pass for 390 yards, but you have to realize that’s like combining two teams’ passing attacks into one. The two quarterbacks opposed each other, so realistically, it was like each side allowed 195 passing yards, on average. The first and second team defenses played well and didn’t have any glaring mistakes.

Newcomers on that side of the ball were impressive, too, but we’ll get into that on the next page. Overall, the defense still has some work to do to limit big plays, but Avalos has it headed on the right track.

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