Oregon Football: 3 Hot takes from Ducks road win against Ohio State

2. Neither Justin Flowe nor Kayvon Thibodeaux played against the Buckeyes

The Ducks’ victory against the Buckeyes was far from perfect. Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 484 yards and three touchdowns against the Ducks. Though Oregon did a good job against Ohio State’s running game, the Ducks did not get much pressure on Stroud.

Oregon’s two best defensive players, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Justin Flowe, did not play against Ohio State. The Ducks still managed to make plays in key moments against the Buckeyes. Not only were they missing, but the Ducks were missing five starters on defense.

Ohio State is no doubt the best offense the Ducks will face this season. When Flowe and Thibodeaux return to the defense, they will be even more potent against the pass, and there are not many passing attacks in the conference that will scare the Ducks.

Offensively, Anthony Brown played well. First and foremost, the Boston College transfer did not turn the football over. Second, Brown made great decisions on RPO plays. Brown did a great job of knowing when to throw, keep, and hand it off.

However, Brown completed less than 50 percent of his passes. His completions went to 11 different receivers. If a clear number one receiver emerges for the Ducks, the passing game will be even more dangerous.