Joel Klatt had a clear message after watching Oregon survive a scare at Iowa. And the rest of the nation better take notice of the Ducks’ physical edge. But will they have enough to hold down the final weeks and stay in the playoff race?
On the latest Joel Klatt Show, the FOX Sports analyst warned that Oregon’s 18-16 win over the Hawkeyes was a reminder of how the Ducks can scrap. The margin can be a November special due to the environment, but don't let if fool you, Dan Lanning’s team is preparing for a run.
“You better buckle it up against Oregon because that’s one of the most physical teams in college football,” Klatt said. "That kind of game also shows how hard it is to win on the road this time of year.”
The Ducks are now 8-1 with the only loss to No. 2 Indiana. They needed a last-second 39-yard field goal from Atticus Sappington to extend their road winning streak to 11. One of the key stats was holding Iowa to just 2.3 yards per carry and forced two fumbles. Klatt said the performance reflected “a championship-level defense.”
However, he remains cautious that Oregon’s offensive inconsistency could be costly, if it continues. Dante Moore completed key throws late but endured long dry spells against Iowa’s front seven. “You can’t keep playing with fire,” Klatt said about Moore. “If they want to be in the playoff, they’ve got to clean that up.”
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