Rose Bowl Match-Ups: Tight Ends

Breaking down the tight ends was not all that difficult. Oregon uses tehir tight ends more in the passing game than Wisconsin and the Duck tight ends are considerably more effective when getting the ball. But there is more to the tight ends than catching the ball and the Ducks have the advantage there as well... read on!


Oregon: As the Ducks went into summer, the tight end position was considered a strength for Oregon. Returning All Pac-10 first team tight end David Paulson along with play maker Brandon Williams and talented freshman Curtis White, the Ducks were adding two more talented tight ends with Colt Lyerla and Christian French.

Over the summer, though, the Ducks lost Williams to retirement. Yet, the Ducks still had quality with White and the two incoming freshman. Early in fall camp, Lyerla showed why he was so highly regarded and White showed great promise as the back-up to the always solid Paulson. Then White injured his Achilles and the Ducks were now down to Paulson and two true freshmen.

The one sure thing the Ducks had at tight end, though, was David Paulson. Continuing a long string of very successful tight ends, Paulson showed as a junior great hands, precise routes, an understanding of the offense, how to attack a defense and...

Wisconsin: The Badgers leading receiver in 2010 was their tight end. Unfortunately for the Badgers, Lance Kendricks graduated and took his team highs in receptions (43), yards (663) and touchdowns (5) with him.

Many have compared the Badgers to Stanford, but there is a major difference between Stanford and the Badgers; tight ends. Stanford, when healthy, employed 3 tight ends in their offense and used them all effectively. In 2011 Wisconsin, on the other hand, uses two tight ends, sometimes starting two at the same time, but only one of them is utilized in the passing game.


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