Tuesday is our day to meet with offensive coordinator Tim Lappano (no idea, by the way, if he likes being called Timmy. Perhaps I should find that out). Anyway, the media spent close to half an hour with Lappano talking offense, here are some highlights.
On Oregon’s defense: “I like their front four. They’ve got some good size inside. I think they’re a little more athletic than the group we faced last week.” Lappano also pointed out that everyone Oregon has played this year has managed to hit a big play or two in the game, something he’d obviously be in favor of the Huskies doing.
On Locker’s accuracy: “It’s not where we need it, and he’ll be the first to tell you that. We had a couple of opportunities with some guys open, and we can’t miss throws. When people are going to press us and we want to throw the ball down field, give the guy an opportunity to make a play on the ball. If you overthrow him by 10 yards or whatever, you’re not really giving him a chance to make a play. We’ve just got to be more accurate, and I still think we need to separate better at times. There’s no question that we’ve got to be able to throw the ball better than we’ve been throwing it. It’s not good enough.”
That doesn’t mean Locker’s leash is getting any shorter, however, Lappano said. “Not right now. He’s still a huge part of our offense. He still makes a lot of plays.”
Lappano also seemed to be more pleased with the running of freshman Brandon Johnson than that of J.R. Hasty, though Hasty is listed as Louis Rankin’s backup for Saturday’s game.
“I though J.R. Hasty ran ok. Brandon Johnson I though showed up pretty good. I liked what he did, he ran hard. Even though he gained one yard on one run, it was downhill and physical and in there. If we make a block, and I don’t need to name names, of that run he had down in the red zone, he would have scored. I think he gives us some downhill, some power. He’s not really big, but he’s physical, he hits it. I think you’ll see some more of him in there, and J.R., I’m not saying J.R. won’t play a little bit too. He’ll probably get a couple of touches too.”
Lappano said D’Andre Goodwin, who coaches have called the fastest player on the team, will see more time at receiver with Quintin Daniels injuried. He also expects Jordan White-Frisbee, who saw time at guard against Arizona State, to play more after a strong showing in practice during the bye week.
Also, in addition to the links I posted this morning, people wanting more info for this week’s game should definitely check out DuckSportsNews.com. This website has tons of good links and info on the Ducks and Huskies. Besides, they linked to a couple my stories, so I figure I ought to return the favor.
And from the Register-Guard’s Ducks blog this afternoon, news that Oregon might be wearing White helmets when they play here this weekend. Because, you know, the Ducks don’t have enough uniform options already.
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