The Oregon Ducks wrapped up their regular season in style with an impressive 49-21 victory over the Washington Huskies at home. This win not only solidified their status as the top-ranked team but also ensured they finished the season undefeated with a perfect 12-0 record. As a result, the Ducks are set to host the Big Ten Conference Championship Game against the Penn State Nittany Lions next week at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Oregon’s Dominance on Display
Oregon’s performance was nothing short of dominant. The Ducks showcased their offensive prowess by racking up a staggering 458 total yards, with 236 coming through the air and 222 on the ground. Their offense averaged an impressive 9.1 yards per pass attempt, demonstrating their ability to stretch the field effectively. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel had a stellar outing, completing 16 of 23 passes for 209 yards and throwing two touchdown passes, while also adding a rushing touchdown to his tally.
The running game was equally impressive, with Jordan James leading the charge. He rushed for 99 yards on 15 carries, scoring two touchdowns. The Ducks averaged 6.0 yards per carry, making it clear that they could move the ball at will against the Huskies’ defense.
Washington’s Struggles
On the other hand, the Washington Huskies faced a challenging game offensively. Despite having a solid quarterback in Demond Williams Jr., who completed 17 of 20 passes for 201 yards and one touchdown, the Huskies struggled to find any rhythm. They were completely shut out in the second half, failing to score after halftime. Washington’s running game was virtually nonexistent, managing just 43 yards on 37 carries, averaging a mere 1.2 yards per carry.
With only 17 first downs and a 4-of-12 conversion rate on third downs, the Huskies’ offense struggled to sustain drives and put points on the board. They did manage to convert one fourth down attempt, but it was not enough to shift the momentum in their favor.
Game Breakdown
Let’s dive into the scoring breakdown of this exciting matchup. The Ducks struck first with a 9-yard rushing touchdown from Noah Whittington, putting them up 7-0 early in the first quarter. Washington responded with a 26-yard field goal from Grady Gross, narrowing the gap to 7-3. However, Oregon quickly regained control, scoring 21 unanswered points in the second quarter, highlighted by two rushing touchdowns from Jordan James and a rushing touchdown from Dillon Gabriel.
As the second half unfolded, Oregon continued to build their lead, with Dillon Gabriel connecting with Terrance Ferguson for a 16-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. The Ducks’ final touchdown came from Da’Juan Riggs, who rushed for a 1-yard score, bringing the score to 49-14. Washington managed a late touchdown with a 27-yard pass from Demond Williams Jr. to Giles Jackson, but it was too little, too late.
Key Statistics
Box Score Summary
| Team | First Quarter | Second Quarter | Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter | Final Score |
| Washington | 3 | 11 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
| Oregon | 7 | 21 | 7 | 14 | 49 |
Player Highlights
Oregon Ducks
| Player | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Passing Yards | Passing TDs |
| Jordan James | 99 | 2 | – | – |
| Dillon Gabriel | 20 | 1 | 209 | 2 |
Washington Huskies
| Player | Rushing Yards | Passing Yards | Passing TDs |
| Demond Williams Jr. | 17 | 201 | 1 |
| Adam Mohammed | 23 | – | – |
Looking Ahead
As the Ducks prepare for the Big Ten Championship Game, they will look to maintain their momentum and continue their undefeated streak. The matchup against Penn State promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams aiming for a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, the Huskies, despite their struggles, have secured a bowl game appearance, providing them with an opportunity to end their season on a high note.
This game not only showcased the Ducks’ offensive firepower but also highlighted the challenges faced by the Huskies. College football fans are in for an exciting postseason, and both teams will be looking to make their mark as the season comes to a close.
