EUGENE — Run defense was an offseason-long emphasis for Oregon after a brutal display in last year’s postseason, and while the Ducks have made strides thus far, they are still struggling in short-yardage situations.

No. 6 Oregon has allowed its first seven opponents to convert on 12 of 20 runs on third-and-3-or-less and 8 of 12 runs on fourth down.

That volume of conversions on third-and-short is tied for 80th nationally with Georgia and Ole Miss among the only other winning Power Four teams having as difficult a time preventing teams from converting in such scenarios. Oregon’s fourth down conversions allowed via the ground ranks 125th nationally.

“I think it’s one of the hardest things in football: to stop people when it’s third and one (and) fourth and one,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning s

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