10 takeaways from the Oregon Ducks' dismantling of Nevada

No. 16 Oregon smothered Nevada, 77-6, at Autzen Stadium Saturday night.

Here are 10 takeaways from the game as the Ducks prepare for their final nonconference game against Montana next week:

Serena Morones for The Oregonian/OregonLive

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1. Andy Avalos is going to have Oregon's defense playing at a high level fast

The Ducks got to pad their stats as the game wore on and they'll do so again next week, but if you can't see a noticeable difference in how this unit is playing compared to last year, you're not paying attention.

This isn't a matter of the caliber of opponent - and Nevada isn't that bad - Oregon's defense is playing at a different level this season.

The last time Oregon held an opponent to under 200 yards and without a touchdown was 2010 against Portland State and New Mexico.

Nevada's 192 yards were its fewest since Week 4 of 2017 in a loss to Washington State and just the second time the Wolf Pack were held without a touchdown during Jay Norvell’s three-year tenure as coach. And Norvell and his staff knew what Avalos does from his time at Boise State and had all offseason to prepare for the first three games of the season.

Mario Cristobal found a legit DC.

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Serena Morones for The Oregonian/OregonLive

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2. Dominating matters

Kicking a team's teeth in makes for a fun environment and gives a lot of players a chance to contribute. But almost Power 5 team gets that blowout game each year.

What matters in the outcome for Oregon is Nevada is going to fare well enough to where decimating the Wolf Pack could look more impressive in November than it did last night. Depending how things shake out around the country, that's important.

"It gives you the opportunity to show that you can close things out and close them out strong," Cristobal said. "What played into us staying aggressive at the end is this redshirt rule allows you to do some things from a development standpoint (you) wouldn’t have a chance to do if you didn’t have the four-game option to play guys. When a guy does get in the game, we’re going to play football. Guys played a lot of snaps (Saturday) night and a lot of valuable time for them, which helps us in their development process."

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3. Let's not get too carried away

Having said all that, let's not get too far ahead of the skis. Fact is, Nevada was a three-touchdown underdog despite beating Purdue the week before. Oregon is a bigger, stronger, faster and deeper team and its second team could've covered the spread.

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Serena Morones for The Oregonian/OregonLive

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4. Don't take Justin Herbert's numbers for granted

Herbert was just off to start, then hit stride and was in mid-season form against a defense that will be one of the worst he'll see all season.

But don't take his numbers for granted. Don't begin to lull yourself into thinking 300-plus yards and 3-5 touchdowns should be a regular occurrence after he's gone.

Fans often don't know how good they've got it until a star player's career ends. Appreciate what you get a chance to cheer for while Herbert's still at Oregon because this kind of talent doesn't come around often.

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Serena Morones for The Oregonian/OregonLive

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5. Talent is meeting results for Oregon's secondary

Perhaps the area where there was the biggest divide between talent and results last season for Oregon was its secondary. Thomas Graham Jr., Deommodore Lenoir, Jevon Holland and Ugochukwu Amadi should've been part of a unit that pushed Cal and Washington for accolades.

Amadi's gone, but Graham Jr., Lenoir and Holland are leading a secondary that's been terrific thus far.

That's not to say everything's perfect, but the results are starting to match the talent of the unit and that's a credit to Keith Heyward, Donte Williams and Andy Avalos.

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AP/Ron Jenkins

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6. Jevon Holland could be a Thorpe Award candidate very, very soon

Watch Holland on any given play, see how Avalos uses him as a nickel in slot coverage. Consider his play-making abilities.

The sophomore is one of the most versatile defenders on the roster and might quickly get into the conversation for All-Pac-12 consideration. If he continues to be disruptive in the pass game and a weapon on special teams it's going to vault Holland into national conversations sooner than later.

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Serena Morones for The Oregonian/OregonLive

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7. Oregon might have the deepest TE room in the country

Fully understanding that Nevada's secondary was undersized and has allowed over 400 yards in two straight games, Oregon's tight ends still have to catch the ball and make the plays.

Jake Breeland, Ryan Bay, Hunter Kampmoyer and Spencer Webb were all involved and Patrick Herbert saw action. This is without Cam McCormick on the field.

And let's not forget the highlight catch of offensive tackle Brady Aiello.

Good luck finding a team that carries so many tight ends and can actually turn to so many to contribute.

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AP/Chris Pietsch

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8. Defensive energy is higher on sideline

Watch the defense on the sideline and there is a noticeable difference compared to last season. Joe Salave'a was there before and he's still a mountain of energy, but the addition of linebacker coach Ken Wilson is an added element.

Even with Avalos upstairs in the box, the Ducks are a more enthused group on defense throughout the first two games. Amazing what happens when players see results from the roles they're asked to perform rather than eat up space and coaches are all on the same page.

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9. Redshirt candidates are clear

77 players saw the field, including 55 non-starters. Several more are out hurt. That leaves the few healthy players who didn't play as candidates to redshirt or so far down on the depth chart that they need to raise their play significantly.

Among the freshmen, quarterback Cale Millen, running back Jayvaun Wilson, offensive tackle Jonah Tauanu’u, defensive end Isaac Townsend, linebacker Treven Ma'ae and defensive back Trikweze Bridges did not appear, according to the participation chart. It shouldn't come as a surprise that any or all are prime redshirt candidates.

Among returning players, linebackers Andrew Johnson Jr. and Dru Mathis (junior college transfer) and punter Tom Snee not playing were of particular note.

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10. Purdue's defense is awful

Auburn tormented Purdue in the Music City Bowl. Nevada came back from down 17 and beat Purdue as time expired despite a ton of penalties that make the task even more difficult.

Rondale Moore is great, but the Boilermakers defense is every bit as bad as statistics indicate if Oregon's first two opponents put up crooked numbers.

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More coverage

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Tommy Martino/The Missoulian via AP

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Up next

No. 15 Oregon (1-1) hosts FCS Montana (2-0) at Autzen Stadium Saturday night (7:45 p.m., Pac-12 Network).

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Where to find Ducks gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, Lids

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