The Oregon Ducks are the favorites in the National Title game, but that is not to say they will coast in the second half the way they did against Florida State.
Oregon's offense is fast and unrelenting, and it aids the defense in some respects, but it is not simply dependent on being fast. While Oregon is quick and athletic, underestimating their physicality will certainly lead to defeat.
Here is how they can win the inaugural College Football Playoff (CFP) National Title.
Overcoming absences:
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu was the Ducks' top cornerback before a knee injury in practice ended his season ahead of the Rose Bowl Game. But in his absence, Erick Dargan stepped up and the Ducks' secondary got the job done against Jameis Winston and Florida State.
As Graham Watson noted for Yahoo Sports, the Oregon secondary is excellent at limiting big plays through the air, but allows a ton of short completions. The key for the Oregon defense will be containing Ezekiel Elliot, who exploded for more than 200 yards against Alabama. Oregon's defense also gets its strength from the offense, as Marcus Mariota has often had the Ducks playing with a lead.
Darren Carrington is the notable absence on offense, as he was suspended for failing a drug test. Carrington caught seven passes against Florida State, but one was a 30-yard touchdown and another was a 56-yard touchdown.
Playing fast:
The way Oregon plays offense is not so much about being fast as it is about being able to play fast on every play of every drive. Constantly running the no-huddle offense can take a lot out of both offensive and defensive players, but Oregon makes it work thanks to exceptional conditioning.
Ted Miller wrote for ESPN an in-depth analysis of the endurance it takes Oregon's players to run their offense. It is what Urban Meyer and his Ohio State coaching staff has focused on heavily in preparation for the National Championship game.
As seen in the highlight video below, Maritoa and Oregon's offense is barely different in the fourth quarter than it is in the first. From the 2:28 mark to the 3:40 mark is an exemplary drive for Oregon's offense and they go about 70 yards in two minutes for a touchdown while still running nine plays.
Making Cardale Jones uncomfortable:
Oregon will allow Jones to complete short passes, which will undoubtedly give him confidence in moving the football down the field. The key for Oregon's defense will be taking away the big play. Jones and Ohio State have a similar spread-style offense to Oregon, but the Buckeyes will be relying more heavily on the run game.
Oregon's secondary will need to give Jones deceptive looks and try to force him to make the wrong reads and bad decisions. The best opportunity for the Ducks' defensive backs to do this will be on third and fourth down scenarios, as well as in the red zone.
CLICK HERE to see how Ohio State can win the National Title.
