Duck Lineman Honored
Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson has been named the Pac-12 Offensive Lineman of the Week for the second time this season, the conference announced on Monday. Powers-Johnson tied for the team lead with two knockdowns in Oregon’s 31-7 win over No. 16 Oregon State while earning an 81.2 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, allowing zero pressures in 42 opportunities. He also earned a 70.7 overall grade from PFF. Powers-Johnson helped the Ducks rack up 480 total yards against the Beavers, including 367 passing yards. The Ducks did not allow a sack, and lead the nation this season with just five sacks allowed. The Ducks will now head to Las Vegas for the Pac-12 Championship on Friday.
Pac-12 Championship
The Ducks and the Huskies will play the championship game at Allegiant Stadium. One of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the U.S. the unique layout grows the turf field outside of the stadium and rolls in when play is scheduled. It seats 65,000 people and is home to the Las Vegas Raiders and the UNLV Rebels. Opened in 202 the stadium cost a whopping 1.9 billion dollars.
OSU Wanted Smith to Commit
Just two days before the rivalry game between the Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers OSU Athletic Director Scott Barnes released a statement that said retaining Jonathan Smith as the Beavers Head Coach was the school’s top priority. Following the game it was learned that Smith had accepted a head coaching position with Michigan State. One of the concerns with the bowl season ahead is that players will begin to seek out options through the portal and leave prior to a bowl appearance.
