Ritchie: Future on Line in Ducks-Beavers Rivalry

With WSU winning the Apple Cup, Oregon State will try to play spoiler in the rivalry formerly known as the Civil War and keep the Ducks out of the Pac-12 title game.

That’s still a lot to play for, not to mention in-state bragging rights. But this rivalry game will also give fans a glimpse at the possible future of the Pac-12 North Division. 

• Washington is seeking a new coach to rebuild after Jimmy Lake at a time when there figures to be more quality jobs available than quality coaches

• Cal appears stuck in an endless cycle of mediocrity due to a lack of institutional support from the University and the City of Berkeley, amid rumors of Justin Wilcox’s likely departure

• Stanford continues to trend down despite David Shaw’s proven track record and a stellar 2022 recruiting class hanging in the balance

Despite controlling their own destiny for a third consecutive Pac-12 title and getting every benefit of the doubt from the CFP, the Ducks laid a giant egg in Salt Lake City.

Oregon’s struggles have continued to mount all season, worsening last week into a malaise of leadership and enthusiasm.

Maybe it’s the inexperience. Or the mind-numbing number of injuries they’ve suffered. Or maybe it’s poor coaching. Or maybe it’s something else.

Going forward, though, the Ducks are sure to get a strong challenge within the Division. And they can’t count on the Utes being the only strong team in South, as they were this season.

But this is rivalry week, so let’s look at some future trends for Oregon and Oregon State, focusing on Recruiting, Tradition & National Recognition, Identity, Transfers & Returnees.

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Recruiting

This is where Oregon has enjoyed a big advantage over OSU and the rest of the Pac-12 in recent years.

The Ducks have landed the top-rated class in the conference for the past three years, and are still leading this year, heading into the final weeks before signing day.

But a number of observers who follow recruiting closely seem to think there could be more decommits coming.

Oregon State’s recruiting has lagged behind Oregon’s this year and previous years in all the recruiting rankings, but lately appears to be picking up steam.

At both the Utah and ASU games, large groups visited Corvallis. The Beavs have already picked up several commits from those visits, most recently two highly-sought after DBs: The No. 5 JC defensive back and a transfer safety from Louisville.

Others are rumored to be announcing soon.

Bottom line: Oregon still has a significant lead in recruiting, but Oregon State is gradually closing that gap. Signing day should prove to be very interesting for both schools.

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Tradition & National Recognition

It should be no surprise to anyone that Oregon is far ahead in this category.

Oregon State has not been nationally relevant since former head coach Mike Riley’s second stint, which peaked in 2008 and ’09 when the Ducks ripped away a Rose Bowl bid in both years.

Old-timers remember the Dee Andros’ “Giantkillers” but that was a long, long time ago.

Even though this season has had a few downturns, Oregon can still claim the best road win by beating Ohio State in Columbus.

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Identity

In our first column this season, we wondered if Cristobal could develop an offensive identity and match his outstanding recruiting classes with success on the field.

The loss in Utah last week confirmed our season-long suspicion, and neither question has been answered. 

Cristobal’s defenders would point to impressive rushing totals against UW, WSU and Colorado as proof that the Ducks’ identity is a strong rushing attack propelled by an excellent offensive line.

The Beavers definitely have developed an identity, based on good offensive line play, and a strong running attack, as B.J. Baylor has capably replaced Jermar Jefferson.

And the passing game has been explosive at times.

Defensively, Oregon has been better, especially against the Buckeyes and during their recent five game winning streak.

The Beavers have made strides defensively this season, but also had some stinkers (e.g. Cal, Colorado), one of which led to the dismissal of defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar.

Which team can run the ball better and stop the run better on Saturday should be the difference in the game on Saturday.

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Transfers & Returnees 

If the Ducks don’t capitalize against their rivals this week, this area of comparison is only going to get tougher.

The Beavers return virtually all contributors at offensive skill positions other than leading wide receiver Trevon Bradford.

Both teams are extremely young.

Depth can disappear quickly, though, as Oregon learned when wideout Mycah Pittman left the program and Johnny Johnson III and Jaylon Redd went down with injuries in the same week.

Both teams have used the transfer portal frequently, and both have benefitted more than they have been hurt by it.

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Prognosis

Yes, the matchup formerly known as the Civil War is just one game. But the stakes couldn’t be much higher, with both teams still in the running for a North Division title.

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—More from Eli Ritchie—

• Ritchie: 2022 Pac-12 QB Performance Historically Good

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• Ritchie: Tough BYU Defense a Major Hurdle for Ducks

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• Ritchie: Can Dan Lanning Keep the Ducks Rising?

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• Ritchie: Surprising WSU Next Biggest Game for Ducks

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• Ritchie: Resilient O-Line a Positive Sign for Ducks

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• Positives Outweigh Issues for Ducks at Midseason

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• Where do Verdell & Dye Rank Among UO’s RB Duos?

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• How Good are These 2021 Ducks? We Don’t Know Yet

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• No Shortage of Questions for Ducks in Season Opener

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