Bear Alexander takes on the Oregon defense's biggest challenge

Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon pressures Oregon State wide receiver Jeremiah Noga as the Oregon State Beavers host the Oregon Ducks Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Ore. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesLast season Derrick Harmon was the disruptive heart of the Oregon defense. He created massive havoc up front, leading the nation with 55 quarterback pressures. He blew up Big Ten offenses from his defensive tackle spot, 45 tackles, 10.5 of those for loss.

Harmon penetrated and collapsed the line of scrimmage. With the 6-5, 310 Michigan State transfer clogging the middle the Ducks held nine opponents to 132 yards or less on…