“Bend but don’t break” was the term often used with Oregon’s defenses of the past. Referencing the Ducks’ ability to allow teams to chew up yardage, but using situational defense and forcing turnovers to prevent the offense from scoring. The 2016 defense did nothing but break, forcing only 12 total turnovers all year. And though the coaching staff has changed, forcing turnovers and giving the offense more opportunities remains an emphasis. In their season opener against Southern Utah, Oregon managed two takeaways with interceptions from Ugo Amadi and Troy Dye. The Ducks will look to continue the trend and hope that more turnovers will turn the tide of the defense in 2017.

Oregon Defense Looking for Turnovers in 2017 (by Alex Castle)