Triple-Option Attack To Have Ducks On The Fly Las Vegas

All season, Oregon has had trouble keeping its opponents out of the end zone.

Now Oregon’s beleaguered defense faces another problem - how to deal with Air Force’s unfamiliar triple-option offense in today’s Las Vegas Bowl.

The Ducks face an offense few of them have seen when they begin the major college bowl season against the No. 23 Falcons in the newly revamped bowl.

“We haven’t faced it in two years,” Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said. “It’s hard to practice against it, so we’ll have to adjust to it during the game. Our ability to stop the option will be the biggest factor in this game.”

Oregon (6-5) allowed opponents an average of 30.6 points per game, giving up more than 50 points twice.

“We haven’t been performing that well in the defensive department,” Oregon safety Jaiya Figueras said. “Air Force does what we don’t do well - defend the run. It’s going to be a challenge to us to finish the whole game.”

Air Force (10-2), one of the few teams still running the option offense, hasn’t been as potent with the running game this year under first-year quarterback Blane Morgan as it has in recent years.

Still, the Falcons ran for 233 yards per game in a season marred only by consecutive losses to Fresno State and San Jose State.