Against Arizona State, quarterback Justin Herbert was practically perfect. The 6-foot-6, 225-pound freshman is only one year removed from physically dominating a high school game, so when he scrambles from the pocket and lowers his shoulder against Pac-12 players he may feel it the following days.

He is the present and the future of the program. The coaches want to keep it that way and prevent future injuries as best they can.

“We’re working on [sliding]. That’s a work in progress,” said offensive coordinator Matt Lubick. “I love his heart. … He is definitely not afraid of contact but we want to protect him. I’d rather have to calm a guy down because they are fearless as opposed to encourage a guy to have courage.”

As the eyes of Duck fans turn to Herbert, his eyes turn to the game against USC this Saturday.

“They’re a very athletic team, a very good team and well coached. It’s going to need a good effort this week to win,” said Herbert. “I’m sure it’s going to be very loud so we’re working on our snap cadence this week.”

The Oregon offense will face a USC defense with defensive back Adoree’ Jackson, an explosive athlete with the ability to create turnovers most players can’t. However, the Oregon coaches don’t want to zero in on one defensive player in particular.

“Our offense is more progressions based, meaning if we call a route for example, if the first guy is open no matter who is covering them, you throw it. If he’s covered you go to the next one,” said Lubick. “The coverage is going to dictate where the ball goes.”

Along with sliding, the coaches want Herbert to continue improving his ability to read progressions during plays.

“I missed a bunch of guys, and I should have hit them if I would have followed my reads,” said Herbert.

Lubick has been impressed with Herbert, but said he can still find things to improve.

“You have one of the best games from a quarterback since I have been here, but you can always get better,” said Lubick. “Just the little things. Reading things a little bit faster. Taking a little bit more command.”

The Ducks have one more practice before they travel to Los Angeles on Friday. It will be the Ducks’ first game in Memorial Coliseum since 2012 when they beat USC 62-51.

Follow Jack Butler on Twitter @Butler917

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