THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015 DAILYEMERALD.COM #SACKPACK

⚑ GAMEDAY

PILING ON THE PRESSURE OREGON DEFENSIVE LINE’S MISSION IS SIMPLE: Find a way to get to the . Led by DeForest Buckner,and Alex Balducci, the unit has overcome a poor start to the season and is now statistically one of the best Pac-12 teams at sacking the quarterback.

DEFOREST BUCKNER FINDS HIS OUTLET THROUGH ART  CAN OREGON RUN THE TABLE?  TEMPO IS EVERYTHING AGAINST ASU ⚑ GAMEDAY

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During the opening reception it’s that same sort of preciseness.” of the Art of the Athlete exhibit In high school Buckner at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum dabbled in art, taking a few STORE HOURS: open 8am – 9pm of Art, Katie Gillard, an art classes here and there. He instructor from Beaverton, enjoyed his experiences but Valid at Springfield Grocery Outlet only. One coupon per person. Minimum purchase pulled me aside to watch a video. never really considered himself excludes alcohol. Not valid with any other offer. Duplicated coupons will not be accepted. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase. Expires: 12/31/15 The video was taken at the studio artistic. For Buckner, art is a way for the Art of the Athlete summer to convey emotion. class, offered only to a handful “It’s doing something different,” of Oregon student-athletes. Buckner said after practice on Several athletes, working on Sunday. “It’s another way to their projects, were filmed express your feelings.” discussing who was better: Bo Like many of the athletes’ Twilight Tastings Jackson or Deion Sanders. The artwork, Buckner’s pieces conversation went back and portrayed themes of family and 27007 Briggs Hill Rd. forth until the camera panned culture. One of his pieces, a Fridays 6-9 pm to Oregon defensive lineman collage titled “Roots,” features Complimentary Flight DeForest Buckner. the seal of American Samoa Eugene, Oregon “DeFo, are you going to surrounded with maps of the contribute to this?” Gillard Hawaiian and Polynesian islands Live Music 541-349-9463 asked him. from which Buckner draws Buckner looked up at the his heritage. camera, smiled, then looked back “He was very concerned with down at his project. making sure that the flag was “I got one mission: finish my there and that everyone had a art,” he said, then returned to his place on it,” Abia-Smith said. “It task at hand. was almost like a self-portrait Moments like this were why through pictures.” sweetcheekswinery.com Gillard and Lisa Abia-Smith, Art is also an outlet for the organizer of the program, Buckner to escape from the nicknamed Buckner “Dr. Defo.” grind and pressure that playing a Over the course of the four- collegiate sport brings. week program, student-athletes “It’s definitely a way to get learned simple art techniques, away from everything,” Buckner then created expressive works said. “It’s a good way to shut of art. everything out and focus on what Abia-Smith, who headed the you’re feeling in that moment.” program all four years of its The summer program includes existence, was blown away by several access workshops, in what she saw from Buckner. which athletes help children with She said the name “Dr. Defo” disabilities create works of art. originated from his passion for To Buckner, working with kids and patience with his pieces. was one of the most rewarding “I have never seen, even in my aspects of the class. art students, someone focus so “It was great being able to put a closely and precisely on their smile on the kids’ faces,” Buckner work,” Abia-Smith said at the said. “It makes a big difference opening of the exhibit on Oct. 21. in their lives and it makes it a big “My best friend is a surgeon and difference in mine.” Make reservations at city2cityshuttle.com or call 541-758-8001

PAGE 2 EMERALD GAMEDAY THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015 ⚑ GAMEDAY OREGON VS ASU

MATCHUPS TO LOOK Royce Freeman playing in the FORWARD TO game against Washington State (Adam Eberhardt). ➡ CHRISTOPHER KEIZUR, @CHRISKEIZUR PLAYERS TO WATCH: For the players having a short week of practice, it can be tough to switch schemes to match the opposition. Luckily, both Oregon (4-3, 2-2 Pac-12) and OREGON Arizona State (4-3, 2-2) had byes last week. Royce Freeman Oregon comes into the game with cautious optimism after the return of It should come as no surprise that Freeman is one of Vernon Adams, Jr. who helped hold off Washington for a 26-20 victory. The the players to watch for Oregon. The starting back has Oregon offense has seemingly bounced back, and averaging 39.3 points per had an impressive season so far, racking up 997 yards game. The defense is still, however, lagging. and nine . He is a nice combination of Arizona State stumbled against then No. 4 Utah, falling 34-18. Similar to speed, power and balance. Pairing his athletic ability the Ducks, the Sun Devils are a team that can put points up on the board, but with his knack to read his blockers has resulted in a struggle on defense. strong sophomore season. Aiden Schneider The Oregon sophomore kicker from Portland, Oregon has had a strong season. So far, he has made MATCHUPS TO WATCH 11 field goals and 32 extra points for a total of 65 points. Schneider has been accurate from distance and has provided a nice outlet for when the Ducks THIS THURSDAY struggle to find the end zone. Look for him on Thursday to salvage what otherwise would have been Oregon wide receivers Oregon punt return empty Oregon possessions. vs. vs. ARIZONA STATE Arizona State secondary Arizona special teams Demario Richard Back from an injury that kept him out of the game The big storyline in Seattle was the return With two similar teams facing off, against Utah is running back Demario Richard. While of wide receiver Darren Carrington, who the game will likely boil down to a few most of his work is done on the ground, averaging helped bolster the lagging Ducks’ aerial attack. key moments. For Oregon, one of those 88.2 rushing yards per game, he also has an effect in Carrington is a big-bodied receiver who is moments could come during punt returns. the passing game — catching 18. In total, Richard has skilled at shaking open on his routes, resulting Addison has been the man to return them six touchdowns on the year. in big chunks of yards. Pairing him with the for Oregon all season, and he has the ability reliable Bralon Addison and talented Dwayne to read the field sometimes breaking one for Devin Lucien Stanford makes it likely that Oregon will big yards. ASU’s junior punter is It’s become something of a tradition that the have a target available on each play. Against no slouch kicking the ball. He has averaged opposing team’s top wideout becomes a player Washington, the three combined for 251 yards 42.6 yards per punt this season, and his to watch when facing the Ducks, as the porous and two touchdowns. On the other side of season-high is a whopping 63 yards. Haack secondary encourages breakthrough performances. the ball, the Sun Devils have held teams to will try to kick the ball away from Oregon. On Thursday, the nod goes to senior Devin Lucien. 251.6 passing yards and have snagged six This could go in Oregon’s favor — year-after- Though he has had a relatively quiet year, with just . They’ll try to jam up Oregon at year field position wise — even if Addison 338 yards and one , Lucien has the speed the line of scrimmage to keep the Ducks from never gets a chance to return a punt. and size to create some mismatches that could be using their speed downfield. exploited for some big gains.

The Emerald is NEWSROOM BUSINESS ON THE COVER published by Emerald DESIGNERS A&C EDITORS The cover image was photographed EDITOR IN CHIEF PUBLISHER, PRESIDENT & CEO by Cole Elsasser. Media Group, Inc., the DAHLIA BAZZAZ X325 RAQUEL ORTEGA EMERSON MALONE CHARLIE WEAVER X317 independent nonprofit JARRED GRAHAM CRAIG WRIGHT PRINT MANAGING EDITOR VP OPERATIONS media company at the GINA MILLS DANIEL BROMFIELD COOPER GREEN KATHY CARBONE X302 University of Oregon. OPINION EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR Formerly the Oregon DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR TANNER OWENS VP OF SALES AND MARKETING JACK HEFFERNAN COLE ELSASSER ROB REILLY X303 Daily Emerald, the news organization SPORTS EDITORS GET IN TOUCH MULTIMEDIA EDITOR HIRING AND TRAINING DIRECTOR JUSTIN WISE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES EMERALD MEDIA GROUP was founded in 1900. STACY YURISHCHEVA KAYLEE TORNAY HAYDEN KIM NICOLE ADKISSON 1222 E. 13TH AVE., #300 MANAGING PRODUCER KENNY JACOBY PODCAST EDITOR NICK CATANIA EUGENE, OR 97403 SCOTT GREENSTONE ALEXANDRA WALLACHY BEN GILBERTS 541.346.5511 NEWS EDITORS TYLER HORST COPY CHIEF AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR JENNIFER FLECK ESTUARDO PEREZ VOL. 117, ISSUE NO. 28 MELISSA RHOADS KIRA HOFFELMEYER FRANCESA FONTANA TAYLOR BRADBURY

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015 EMERALD GAMEDAY PAGE 3 ⚑ GAMEDAY STACK UP ➡ JUSTIN WISE, @JUSTINFWISE

According to preseason expectations, Thursday night’s contest between Oregon and Arizona State on ESPN was intended to feature two of the top programs in the Pac-12 – possibly the nation. The teams were ranked inside the top 15 of the AP poll and both had marquee non-conference match-ups to open the season. However, when the Ducks and Sun Devils meet in Tempe, Arizona, it will feature two teams still in pursuit of becoming bowl eligible. Arizona State and Oregon are coming off bye weeks with 4-3 records and two Pac-12 losses. Arizona State has mirrored many of Oregon’s struggles. The offense, guided by quarterback Mike Bercovici, hasn’t transitioned as well from 2014 to 2015 as it was initially expected to. The unit is averaging just 28 points per game and Bercovici’s quarterback rating is listed at 52.6. The numbers contributed to Arizona State being dominated in games versus USC and Texas A&M in September. A win at UCLA a few weeks ago displayed the group’s potential, though. As for Oregon, the team is trying to win consecutive games for the first time this season. With a healthy Vernon Adams, Jr. and Darren Carrington providing another dynamic threat, the prospects look much brighter than what they were a couple weeks ago.

Here’s how Oregon and Arizona State stack up: Oregon offense Arizona State offense vs. vs. Arizona State defense Oregon defense

Oregon’s offense looks like a completely different animal with Bercovici has thrown for 14 touchdowns and just five Adams behind center. The graduate-transfer returned after missing interceptions, and running back Demario Richard is averaging back-to-back games to lead Oregon to 442 yards of offense and 5.2 yards per rush. But those numbers have been outdone by a 26-20 win over Washington. In addition, wide receiver Darren a myriad of other problems Arizona State’s offense has faced. Carrington returned from his six-game suspension and became The offensive line is giving up an average three sacks and 7.7 Adams’ main target, finishing with five grabs for 126 yards and tackles for loss, according to The Oregonian. two touchdowns. It opens the door for an Oregon defensive line that has With that said, coach Mark Helfrich said there are still a number had its share of struggles this season too. However, the unit of “simple mistakes that we can correct.” But the speed and appears to be coming into its own as of late. The Ducks rank excitement Oregon’s offense is normally associated with was fifth in the conference in rush defense and second in sacks certainly there at Washington. Royce Freeman took advantage of with 21. the added passing threat and ran for 138 yards on 27 carries. And based on Oregon’s pass defense this season, getting All of it together resulted in Oregon’s most complete to the quarterback could be crucial for the defensive line performance on offense all season, and a reason for optimism this week. Bercovici is averaging 39 passes per game, and it heading into the latter half of the schedule. But Arizona State’s shouldn’t come as a surprise if his attempts total is higher front seven poses a stiff challenge for Oregon. on Thursday. The group is ranked second in the Pac-12 in rushing yards Elsewhere on defense, Tyree Robinson’s move from allowed, giving up just 129.3 yards per game. It also ranks first in safety to cornerback for the Washington game appears to the conference in sacks with 24. be permanent.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015 EMERALD GAMEDAY PAGE 5  COVER KEY IN RESURGENCE ➡ JUSTIN WISE, @JUSTINFWISE

When discussing Oregon’s pass rush this season, line — and the potential is clearly there. Hendricks Award, given to the nation’s best defensive defensive line coach Ron Aiken is quick to to describe “But we just need to finish,” Balducci said. “There’s end, and projected by multiple media outlets to go in the areas of technique he often stresses to his group a lot of tackles outside the box and a lot of sacks that the first round of next year’s NFL draft. He’s garnered in practice about getting to the quarterback. “Flip we could’ve gotten (at Washington.)” all this acclaim while taking on as many as three your hips,” “get skinny” and don’t rush “the passer It is all part of a larger emphasis on getting to blockers on a given pass play. with your shoulders square to a blocker.” the quarterback that the Ducks defensive coaches “Deforest is doing what’s expected and more,” “Flipping the hips” and “bursting to the instilled this past offseason. And it has translated Aiken said. quarterback” is what Aiken preaches most often, and to Balducci becoming the “biggest plus” for the Balducci’s output has become even more beneficial despite a lack of quarterback pressure in the first defensive line this year, according to Aiken. then, because of the certain times in which Buckner couple weeks, Oregon has enjoyed an increasing “Alex has done a great job flipping his hips and is double or triple teamed. But, it’s not just him. True level of success from the defensive line in that regard getting on the edge of guys to give us additional freshman Henry Mondeaux has recorded three as of late. pressure,” Aiken said. “We’ve upgraded what we do tackles for loss and three sacks, and Jalen Jelks and The unit ranks second in the Pac-12 in sacks with with our nose tackle on pass rush.” Tui Talia have each added a sack of their own, which 21, and the combination of nose tackle Alex Balducci Balducci, who used the offseason to work on that has translated into the Ducks’ rotation including as and defensive end Deforest Buckner has recorded facet of his game, appears to be pleased with the many as nine players. 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks alone. personal results too. “It’s nice because you know you got guys going in But Aiken sees a group with plenty of work left to “Last year, we really focused on dropping eight that can apply pressure,” said Balducci. be done. guys and containing the quarterback,” Balducci said. Now, as Aiken said, Oregon will continue to try “There’s still more sacks that we’re leaving out “This year, we’re letting the front go more and do our and translate the technique they consistently work there, contact on the quarterback [in which] we thing. I feel like I’m getting there.” on at practice into a game situation at Arizona State. need to make sure we take him to the ground,” Aiken It’s a modified role for Balducci compared to The defensive line will face a quarterback in Mike said on Sunday, before describing the technique previous seasons, but his success has become the Bercovici, who averages 39 passes per game and that many of his players need to become more perfect complement to Buckner, who is described as likes to sling it downfield. consistent at. one of the most dominant players in , And for the Ducks’ defense to be successful, the “It’s technique that we do in practice, but we need according to Pro Football Focus. Buckner currently defensive line has to be an integral part, which to make sure we bring it to a game.” has 36 tackles, nine tackles for loss and five sacks. means defenders will have to flip their hips and burst It seems to be a defining phrase for not just the “He’s the No. 1 interior pass-rusher in the country, to quarterback. But it also can be simplified. defensive line, but the entire Ducks team as it gets set and ranks second at his position in run-stop “You want to measure what you do by winning ball to face Arizona State on Thursday night. The talent percentage. Just ask Colorado’s offensive line how games,” Aiken said. “So we have to do what we can runs deep — against Washington State, the Ducks much fun he is to block,” the analytics site writes. to win ball games. We have to figure out how to get used nine players in their rotation on the defensive In addition, Buckner is a semifinalist for the Ted the quarterback.”

Buckner, Balducci, and Mondeaux are all dominating forces on the defensive line (Adam Eberhardt).

PAGE 6 EMERALD GAMEDAY THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015 KEY IN RESURGENCE

DeForest Buckner is considered one of the most dominant defensive players in the country and leads an improving Ducks defensive line (Cole Elsasser).

Defensive line anchors improving Oregon pass defense

➡ WILL DENNER, @WILL_DENNER

Oregon’s defense was only responsible for five sacks through the first Defensive coordinator Don Pellum believes his defensive line has been four games of the 2015 season. similar all season. The major improvement over the last few games has Of the five, 1.5 came from the Ducks’ defensive line. In three games come from the secondary. since (Colorado, Washington State and Washington), the Ducks “I don’t know if the [pass rush] has changed a lot,” Pellum said. “What combined for 16 sacks on opposing - more than tripling we’re doing overall between the front and the back, I think we’re playing their previous output. better coverage behind them and allowing a little more time for our guys Most importantly, Oregon’s defensive line totaled 10 of the team’s last to continue to rush.” 16 sacks, including all four in its most recent victory at Washington. However, interior defensive linemen, particularly senior nose tackle Although Oregon’s secondary has drawn criticism in nearly every game Alex Balducci, have stepped up for the Ducks. Balducci has two and a this season because of its 121st-ranked pass defense, the defensive line’s half sacks on the season, all of which came during the last three games. lack of pressure at the beginning of the year is partially to blame. Without Combining Buckner and Balducci with a rotation of Tui Talia and fast- a consistent pass rush, opposing quarterbacks have been allowed too emerging Henry Mondeaux at the opposite end position, Oregon has a much time in the pocket. Sacks don’t tell the whole story, but much of formidable defensive line. the defensive line’s increase in production over the last three games can Still, the Ducks are weary of plays left on the field. Sixteen sacks over be attributed to more hits on quarterbacks. As a result, Oregon’s pass the last three games is an improvement, but the Ducks feel like they defense is slowly becoming more well-rounded. should have more. Senior defensive end DeForest Buckner is responsible for a large “We’re doing well, but we just need to finish,” Balducci said. “There’s a portion of the unit’s improved pass rush. Buckner’s five sacks are a team- lot of tackles outside the box and a lot of sacks that we could’ve gotten.” high, and he’s been unstoppable in stretches this season. Oregon’s pressure against Washington almost wasn’t enough, as the Early in the third quarter against Washington, Buckner sacked Huskies Huskies nearly came back and spoiled a 26-20 victory. quarterback Jake Browning on back-to-back plays, single-handedly Thursday’s game at Arizona State won’t be as forgiving. Quarterback halting a promising scoring drive. Mike Bercovici is protected by an experienced offensive line of four “He’s just that factor, he’s going to get through that line of scrimmage,” seniors and a junior. The unit also hasn’t given up more than one sack in said cornerback Ugo Amadi, who grabbed the game-clinching four of its seven games. Oregon’s defensive line, its anchor, will be tested against Washington. once again.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015 EMERALD GAMEDAY PAGE 7 ⚑ GAMEDAY

Vernon Adams has some hard work ahead of him to prove that the program has what it takes to win (Adam Eberahardt).

THE QUESTION SEEMS TO COUNTER WHAT THE PROGRAM PREACHES

➡ ANDREW BANTLY, @ANDREWBANTLY

For a team that buys in to Hardrick said to me after Tuesday’s the ‘Win The Day’ mentality, practice. “So [we] really don’t care Pac-12 championship talks will about anything that’s going on, seem premature. any expectations or anything like But following Oregon’s 26-20 that. We focus on what we need to win over Washington, that’s exactly do each day.” what some stars of this Ducks Sure, Adams and Buckner — and football team had on their minds, the whole Oregon football team even though the Ducks are more — felt good after the win and were than two games behind Pac-12 likely excited to move forward – North-leading Stanford. they’re human. And the reporter was In Seattle, a reporter asked if trying to exploit that emotion in his the Ducks could run the table, or her recap – we’re human. a question that was leading and The win needs to be taken equally premature in the first place. for what it is: A step in the “I think we can,” Adams said. right direction. “You know, we just got to clean up “[The win] doesn’t really the little mistakes, the little baby change much, but guys are more mistakes, the penalties, continue not enthusiastic, have a lot more to turn the ball over and be better on energy,” Hardrick said. “Things are third downs. I think we do that and I going easier. People are doing their think we have a good shot at it.” jobs correctly.” Defensive end DeForest Buckner And that’s what they’ll need to do echoed a similar thought after to get by Arizona State, California, the game. No. 8 Standord, USC and Oregon “The win is a foundation for the State to complete just the regular second half of the season. Obviously season. Obviously, it can’t be our goal is to win out, so we have ignored that there is more than a the opportunity to be one of the month of football left before the best teams up there (in the Pac-12 Pac-12 Championship on Dec. 8 standings),” said Buckner. is played. A six-point win over Washington Focus in on the Sun Devils and – a team thought to finish in the you’ll see a team in an eerily similar bottom half of the conference before situation. Both teams are 4-3 the season – and Oregon is ready to overall, 2-2 in the Pac-12, coming run the table? off a bye week, got routed at home The Ducks played well. Give them to a conference foe, and most credit. They protected the football, importantly, can’t afford another the secondary kept Washington’s conference loss. receivers in check and Oregon had a So, if there’s one thing Oregon quarterback who threw the ball with cannot have going in to Tempe, some authority. it’s too much confidence and an A good foundational expectation to return to Eugene restart, perhaps. with a win. But a momentum boost to then While I’m not forecasting such win out? That seems foolish. Senior ideas, if the Ducks have any shot linebacker Rodney Hardrick agrees. of returning to Santa Clara to “The way we look at it, it’s each defend their title, they first have to day, each practice, each meeting,” win today.

PAGE 8 EMERALD GAMEDAY THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015 ⚑ GAMEDAY WHY ASU WILL BEAT OREGON

➡ MATHEW TONIS **Editor’s Note: Each week during football season, we feature an essay from the opponent’s student newspaper on why Oregon will lose. This week’s edition is from Mathew Tonis, the football beat reporter at The State Press.**

With public opinion souring on the Sun Oregon’s pass defense ranks last in the week that he likes going against blitz-heavy Devils, the team needs to turn their play around, Pac-12, which should allow space for senior defenses, he hasn’t faced one that blitzes quite and quickly, or face even more criticism from D.J. Foster and redshirt senior Devin Lucien as often as the Sun Devils do. ASU consistently both outside the program and in. As a team that to operate down the field and Bercovici to brings pressure on the quarterback, and had national title aspirations, it seems as though find his form from his three-game run in 2014 inexperienced or unprepared passers are in the National University Holiday Bowl is now a when people around Tempe anointed him for a rude awakening with Laiu Moeakiola or long shot. as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in Christian Sam charging from the edge. Following another anemic offensive the conference. The Duck offense has not seen an animal performance in the rearview mirror after a bye While those bold predictions have not come like the Sun Devil blitz attack and, if ASU can week, the ASU offense is still searching for a full true, the offense has looked very good at times finally force turnovers like it wants to, it could game in rhythm, and the Oregon defense is the and has the playmakers to exploit a weak Duck be a long day for Adams and the rest of the perfect opponent to do that. secondary and advance the ball down the field offensive unit. Despite Todd Graham’s insistence that the at a rate ASU hasn’t seen since Once again, this is a game the Sun Devils ASU offense is a run, play action fake team, the hung up his pads for the final time after the need. Graham has preached all season this is most success the Sun Devils have had comes Sun Bowl. the most talented team in his time in Tempe from airing the ball out with redshirt senior Defensively, ASU has been, quite frankly, and a fourth loss in eight games would be quarterback Mike Bercovici. dominant at times, shutting down dynamic near disaster for both the current state of the The run game should receive a massive boost running backs like Paul Perkins and Devontae program and for future prospects. with sophomore running back Demario Richard Booker. The Sun Devils, aside from two games On a night where ASU will honor its favorite returning to the lineup after not playing against against triple-option offenses, have nearly son, Pat Tillman, it’s hard to imagine the Sun Utah. The boisterous back has made it clear all shut down the line of scrimmage, forcing Devils being anything less than fired up to week how important he is to this offense and, opposing quarterback to air the ball out, with grab a win on national television and keep with the way ASU played without him, the fans varied success. their slim Pac-12 South hopes alive, at least more than agree. While Vernon Adams, Jr. said earlier this for this week.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015 EMERALD GAMEDAY PAGE 9 ⚑ GAMEDAY

TRUST WHAT YOU SEE AND TAKE WHAT THEY GIVE YOU. DON’T FORCE ANYTHING AND JUST HAVE FUN. SCOTT FROST, Oregon offensive coordinator.

As far as offensive coordinator Scott Frost is concerned, when the Ducks are balanced, they are a better team (Emerald Archives). FROST: TEMPO IS EVERYTHING AGAINST ASU

➡ KENNY JACOBY, @KENNYJACOBY

Oregon, fresh off a bye week, has had extra and 60 percent, so on more than half the plays game was severely limited. The offense was time to prepare for its game against the Arizona they’re coming after us.” unbalanced, so opposing defenses were able State Sun Devils in Tempe on Thursday night. The goal of Arizona State’s defense, Frost to focus their efforts on stopping the running Following practice on Monday, quarterback said, is to “create chaos” by taking away game because the passing game wasn’t a threat. Vernon Adams, Jr. said the bye week was “a the easy plays and leaving the quarterback Frost said having Adams and Carrington little too long,” but the team is “ready to play.” vulnerable to the pass rush. He described the back made a “huge difference in the game,” and Arizona State is a team that likes to blitz a defense as boom-or-bust. Teams that have Adams, in particular, made plays that “really lot on defense, but Adams said he likes playing faced it often lose yardage on consecutive bailed us out.” those types of teams because it gives the wide series, only to break out for long gains shortly “When we’re balanced, we’re a better team,” receivers a lot of one-on-one opportunities. thereafter. Patience, therefore, is the key to Frost said. “For a while there we felt like our “Arizona State does a lot of good things on defeating it. best chance was to run [the ball] a bunch, and defense,” Adams said. “They try to confuse “There are going to be some series they win,” we ran it well when we did, which was great to you with stuff and you’ve just got to be smart. Frost said. “When they’re going to be that see. But if we can make throws down the field, You’ve just got to make sure the o-line and aggressive and gamble, they’re going to make it loosens everything up, so we’re going to have running backs are in the right protections, and their share of plays. We just have to hit on our to be balanced.” if you see something, just trust it. Trust what share of plays, too, and hopefully when we hit Frost thinks Oregon’s tempo on offense you see and take what they give you. Don’t on our share of plays, they’re big plays.” will play a “big factor” in the game. He plans force anything and just have fun.” The Ducks restored balance to their offense on being selective in terms of when to utilize Offensive coordinator Scott Frost said the last week in their win over Washington, thanks a fast-tempo attack, so as to give Oregon’s Sun Devils being described as a blitz-heavy to the returns of Adams from a finger injury defense ample time to rest. team is “an understatement.” and wide receiver Darren Carrington from “If our defense has been on the field a long “These guys blitz not just one extra guy but a suspension. In previous weeks, back-up time, I don’t want to go fast and put the defense two extra guys a bunch of the time,” Frost said. quarterbacks Jeff Lockie and Taylor Alie right back on the field if it doesn’t work,” Frost “I think their blitz percentage is between 55 lined up behind center, and Oregon’s passing said. “We’ll pick our spots with the tempo.”

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