EUGENE - Oregon coach Chip Kelly uses the word resilient when talking about his team and its bounce back from the season-opening loss at Boise State.

The same could be said for the Ducks' defensive backfield, which has been hit by a rash of injuries, including two players lost for the season. That's created game time for players with little or no previous major college football experience.

The unit has responded with big plays that have helped the 10th-ranked Ducks lead the Pacific-10 Conference in passing defense and scoring defense through eight games.

"They've done a pretty good job stepping up," said junior middle linebacker Casey Matthews. "A lot of young guys had to step up and they have so far and we're happy about that."

The bad breaks for the secondary started right away.

First it was senior free safety T.J. Ward, who suffered a serious high ankle sprain against Boise State and missed the next five games for Oregon (8-1, 5-0).

Three weeks later, senior cornerback Walter Thurmond III, a preseason All-America, suffered a season-ending knee injury on the opening kickoff against California. Ten days later, senior cornerback Willie Glasper, Thurmond's backup, was also lost for the season with a knee injury sustained during a non-contact drill in practice.

Ward, considered one of the biggest hitters in the conference, returned for the Ducks' 43-19 Oct. 24 win at Washington and ended last Saturday's victory against USC with an interception. He also had a game-high 10 tackles versus the Trojans.

"Any time you have a veteran player, they can help the younger players, they can see things more," defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti said.

When Ward was sidelined, he did his best to help the younger players with whatever he could pick up about the opponent.

Junior cornerback Talmadge Jackson III and sophomore rover Javes Lewis were primarily reserves in the past, but have started all eight games this season.

They were slated for starting spots before the season, while redshirt freshman free safety John Boyett (a seven-game starter this season) and sophomore cornerback Anthony Gildon (two) have moved to more prominent roles with injuries to others.

So to have reserve cornerbacks Chad Peppars, a junior, and freshman Cliff Harris.

"I think they've done a tremendous job," Kelly said. "Losing T.J. for an extended period of time, Walt and Willie for the season, the other guys who have had a chance to step up have done a great job."

The DBs have helped the Ducks move to second in the Pac-10 in total defense and helped the team rank first in pass efficiency defense and second in opponents' third-down efficiency percentage.

Boyett and Lewis are averaging six tackles per game. Jackson, Boyett and Lewis each have two interceptions.

"They know they need to step up when their name is called, and they've done that this year," Matthews said. "They've got a great rotation. We're confident in them."