Oregon Football: Defense Continues to Shine This Spring

The Ducks have three more full spring workouts before next Saturday’s spring game at 2 p.m. in Autzen Stadium.

Photo courtesy: goducks.com

EUGENE, Ore. - The temperature was more than 40 degrees cooler than last week’s scrimmage, but otherwise Friday’s Oregon football exhibition was much of the same: A one-sided affair dictated by the defense.

A 5-of-8 passing day for junior transfer Cade Cooper and a few double-digit runs by running back LeGarrette Blount couldn’t cover up the fact that the Ducks’ offense stalled out on all but two of approximately 20 drives.

Blount, a newcomer from the junior college ranks, broke off a 21-yard scoring run on the 19th drive of the day for the only points outside of an early 38-yard field goal from Justin Dougherty.

Cooper had 29 yards through the air and rushed nine times for 12 yards.

Outside of the former BYU and Snow JC signal-caller, Oregon quarterbacks combined to go 2-of-21 for 16 yards and an interception. The Ducks were again without redshirt sophomore Nate Costa, who is limited to non-contact drills this spring.

The defense produced several quality performances. Sophomore linebacker Spencer Paysinger and junior tackle Mike Bellagamba had five total tackles apiece to lead the charge. Bellagamba recorded 1.0 tackles for loss and also blocked Daniel Padilla’s 51-yard field goal try.

True sophomore tackle Tonio Celotto chipped in with four stops, two for a loss including a sack. Redshirt freshmen Matt Simms and Brandon Hanna each recorded a sack and Simms was credit for 1.5 TFLs.

The Ducks have three more full spring workouts before next Saturday’s Spring Game at 2 p.m. in Autzen Stadium.

Source: goducks.com

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