Oregon Football: 5 reasons the Ducks will contend in 2019

3 of 5

BERKELEY, CA – SEPTEMBER 29: CJ Verdell #34 of the Oregon Ducks runs with the ball against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

3. Rushing attack

In 2018, Oregon was tasked with replacing the school’s all-time leading rusher, Royce Freeman. In order to do so, they turned to a thunder and lightning attack.

CJ Verdell is the thunder. He’s a physical back that rushed for 1,018 yards and ten touchdowns last year. Travis Dye, the lightning, earned 739 yards and four touchdowns. They are each only entering their sophomore season, so there could be a tremendous amount of growth from 2018 to 2019.

The production from these two wasn’t of an extremely high volume, but it was efficient. In total yardage, Oregon finished on 54th. Verdell, however, averaged five yards per carry, and Dye averaged 5.3. When this team needs yards on the ground, Dye and Verdell are a reliable pair.

Paving the way for those two backs will be a very experienced offensive line. Calvin Throckmorton, the right tackle, is a fourth-year starter, along with center Jake Hanson and left guard Shane Lemieux. The starter at left guard, whether it’s Dallas Warmack or Brady Aiello, will be a senior. Left tackle Penei Sewell will only be a sophomore, but he had a strong 2018 season when healthy.

The passing attack is getting all the hype this offseason, as it warrants, but this rushing attack will be a huge part of Oregon’s success in 2019.

Home/Oregon Ducks