Will Stein's Offensive Strategy Faces a Daunting Defense in the College Football Playoff
Kentucky football fans have a unique challenge: cheering for the Oregon Ducks against James Madison in the College Football Playoff. This game presents an opportunity for Kentucky fans to closely observe the offensive strategies of Will Stein, the head coach of the Oregon Ducks. But here's the twist: James Madison's defense is no pushover.
The Ducks are favored by 21.5 points, but the betting line of 50.5 points suggests a low-scoring affair. James Madison's defense is one of the best in college football, allowing only 76.15 yards per game, the second-fewest in the nation. They also rank second in total defense (247.6 yards per game) and boast a top-10 scoring defense (15.8 points per game).
The advanced stats paint an even clearer picture of James Madison's defensive prowess. They rank fourth in EPA (-.17) and have the best defensive success rate in college football (31.9%). On third down, opponents struggle to convert, needing an average of 8 yards to succeed, and they only do it 28.5% of the time. James Madison's defense is a force to be reckoned with.
However, there's a catch. James Madison's defense has faced its fair share of challenges. They lost their only game against a Power Conference foe, Louisville, where they squandered a second-half lead. The game's outcome hinged on three big plays: a Louisville scoop-and-score and two 60+ yard touchdowns by Chris Bell and Isaac Brown. Outside of those plays, James Madison's defense held its own, allowing only 122 yards.
Now, the good news for Stein and the Ducks. For the past month, Stein has been navigating a challenging situation with his wide receivers. The Ducks' wide receiver room has been hit hard by injuries, with key players like Dakorien Moore, Gary Bryant Jr., and Evan Stewart sidelined. Stein has demonstrated his adaptability, finding ways to succeed without his top pass-catchers.
In their previous game against Washington, Stein utilized his tight ends to fill the void in the passing game. Fortunately, the Ducks' top pass-catchers are on the mend, with head coach Dan Lanning reporting that they're making progress. During an open practice session ahead of the playoff game, all three wide receivers were present and warming up with the team.
As the game approaches, Stein will need to devise a strategy to counter James Madison's formidable defense. The question remains: how will he attack a talented JMU defense with the support of a raucous crowd in Autzen Stadium? The answer will be revealed on Saturday night, with kickoff set for 7:30 PM ET on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max.
