Keyon Ware-Hudson Previews Oregon State: 'I feel like we're progressing every week'
On Wednesday Oregon defensive lineman Keyon Ware-Hudson met with reporters ahead of his final rivalry game against the Oregon State Beavers. Ware-Hudson has been around long enough to understand the significance of this rivalry, having been on the losing end in both 2020 and 2022.
Below you’ll find some of his key quotes as well as some analysis of his remarks.
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On what comes to mind for him when he thinks of Oregon/Oregon State game from 2022:
Ware-Hudson: “I just think we needed to stop the run. I felt like we got too comfortable and relaxed throughout the fourth quarter. I feel like once we’re at that stage we need to keep rolling, not have the lack of finish mentality.”
On the assessment of run defense against Boise State in Week 2:
Hudson: “I feel like we’re progressing every week with the runs. Minor mess ups within the calls, someone one play will not do one of the plays, so just communication throughout the whole line and we’ll be set.”
On what he seems from Oregon State run game:
Hudson: “Like every year with Oregon State they’re known for running the ball pretty good. They know how to do cutbacks on the stretches and everything. So you know we gotta be locked into what we got ahead of us.”
On how he motivates younger players for this rivalry:
Hudson: “Just like every game but this game, like you said the rivalry game, there’s a lot of hate between us. Just try to keep their minds level. Try to make them realize who we’re playing against.”
On if it’s weird preparing for Oregon State rivalry in Week 3 compared to November:
Hudson: “Yeah it is. We got Coach B Mike running around saying it feels like Thanksgiving ’cause every time we play them is around the time. So it’s a little weird playing them a little early, but gotta do what you gotta do,”
On impact of OSU RG (Tyler Voltin) being out for the season:
Hudson: “That was one of their key guys and they need someone to fill in his shoes. The guy they have now has one start ahead. I feel like probably their communication, or it wouldn’t be as strong as it would be with the guy in previously. So you know, try to work on that.”
Torres’ Take
The presence of a guy like Ware-Hudson should really help the Ducks this week. Maybe we haven’t seen the value on the surface given some underwhelming play, but having veterans that have played a lot of ball, and more importantly seen the Ducks at their best is a major plus for this team.
Ware-Hudson is a key rotational piece here and Tony Tuioti is fortunate to have him as someone he can turn to in the two-deep. Having witnessed two losses at the hands of Oregon State already in his career, you can bet 95 will be fired up and ready to go come game time on Saturday.
