Oregon Ducks Soar to Victory with 38-24 Triumph Over Washington State

In Eugene, Oregon, the ninth-ranked Oregon football team found its footing with a 38-24 victory over Washington State in front of a packed Autzen Stadium, filled with 58,886 enthusiastic fans for their homecoming game. Bo Nix played a pivotal role, throwing two touchdowns and running for another, while Bucky Irving had a standout performance, scoring twice on the ground and once as a receiver.

After their first loss of the season, the Ducks (with a 6-1 record and 3-1 in the Pac-12) faced a slow start but picked up the pace in the second quarter, primarily thanks to their dominant rushing attack. Irving rushed for 129 yards, and Jordan James added another 103, contributing to a well-balanced Oregon offense that accumulated 293 passing yards and 248 rushing yards.

UO center Jackson Powers-Johnson expressed the team's satisfaction, emphasizing their focus on going 1-0 for the week. In a rematch from the previous year when Oregon needed a dramatic comeback to beat WSU, Cameron Ward continued to pose a challenge for the Oregon defense with his mobility and threw for an impressive 438 yards, although he managed just one touchdown in the game's final minute, with Oregon leading 38-16.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning commended his team's resilience in the face of Washington State's determined efforts and acknowledged the Cougars' moments of brilliance. Oregon produced 14 plays of 15 yards or more. Early in the game, the Ducks struggled to capitalize, resulting in a 3-3 tie after the first quarter. However, Irving and Nix led the way with short rushing touchdowns, capping off extended drives fueled by their ground game. The second quarter saw Oregon rush for 129 yards.

Nix appreciated the significant role of the rushing game, noting that it kick-started their scoring opportunities. Irving showcased his versatility, scoring a 42-yard touchdown on a swing pass and an explosive 43-yard TD run in the third quarter, thanks to a well-executed jump cut to shake off a defender. Tez Johnson added another touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, expanding Oregon's lead.

The Ducks' well-rounded offense, featuring multiple receiving options and Bucky as a dynamic running back, provided a significant advantage. Despite needing assistance off the field due to an injury scare in the fourth quarter, Irving returned as the Ducks ran out the clock in the game's final minute.

On the defensive end, safety Evan Williams led the Ducks with 14 tackles, as they managed to contain Washington State despite Ward's elusiveness. Jeffrey Bassa contributed with eight tackles, and linebacker Jestin Jacobs made his Oregon debut with six tackles, including one of Oregon's six sacks. Williams emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and responding effectively to the Cougars' explosive plays. The Ducks also continued to receive strong contributions from their freshman pass rushers, with Matayo Uiagalelei and Blake Purchase each recording a sack.