University of Oregon
9-0 , 6-0
Michigan
5-4 , 3-3
Ducks Overcome Adversity To Beat Michigan
11/02/24 | Football
Oregon improved to 9-0 on the season with Saturday's 38-17 victory on the road.
Playing for the second week in a row as the No. 1 team in the country, Oregon remained unbeaten on the season with a 38-17 victory over Michigan before a crowd of 110,576. The Ducks improved to 9-0 for the third time in program history — the other two occurring in the other two seasons in which the Ducks were ranked No. 1, 2010 and 2012.
Oregon knew beating the defending national champs would require overcoming adversity, and it cropped up early in Saturday's game. Leading receiver Tez Johnson didn't play after the first quarter due to injury, and a fumble set up a game-tying touchdown for the Wolverines.
But Oregon dominated the second quarter to lead 28-10 at halftime, and led comfortably the rest of the way.
"Proud of the way our guys performed today," UO coach Dan Lanning said. "I thought they came in, overcame some adversity early and really maintained their composure."
The Ducks outgained the Wolverines 470-270 overall, and 176-105 in the running game. Oregon converted 10-of-15 third downs, while Michigan was 4-of-12, and the UO defense had seven tackles for loss — one that included defensive end Jordan Burch, who along with tight end Terrance Ferguson returned from injury Saturday.
With Johnson sidelined, Traeshon Holden stepped up with six catches for 149 yards. Jordan James rushed 23 times for 117 yards and the game-icing score in the fourth quarter, Noah Whittington scored twice and Dillon Gabriel orchestrated it all to the tune of 22-of-34 passing for 294 yards and a score, plus a rushing touchdown.
"I think everybody in the nation needs to recognize what kind of quarterback we've got," Lanning said.
After a three-and-out by the UO defense to open the game, Gabriel drove the Ducks to a score — a touchdown reception by Evan Stewart. On Michigan's next drive, the UO defense got another stop, but the punt return was fumbled away while Johnson was being evaluated and the Wolverines drove to a touchdown.
But Oregon quickly answered, opening the second quarter with Whittington's first rushing touchdown. Whittington and Gabriel each rushed for touchdowns later in the second quarter, while Michigan managed only a field goal to make it 28-10 at halftime.
The third quarter saw the Wolverines score another touchdown, while Oregon managed only a field goal. The Ducks have now been outscored 30-29 in the third quarter this season.
"There's a trend," Lanning acknowledged. "It's something we're certainly aware of and attacking."
The fourth quarter saw Michigan drive into the red zone, looking to make it a one-score game midway through the period. But the Ducks got a stop on fourth down from the 9-yard line, then milked most of the rest of the quarter before James scored with 25 seconds left.
Oregon now returns home to host Maryland in Autzen Stadium next Saturday (4 p.m., Big Ten Network).
Team Stats
ORD 7, UOM 0
ORD - Stewart,Evan 2 yd pass from Gabriel,Dillon (Sappington,Atticus kick) 12 plays, 63 yards, TOP 06:26
ORD 7, UOM 7
UOM - Morris,Tyler 7 yd pass from Warren,Davis (Zvada,Dominic kick) 5 plays, 28 yards, TOP 03:19
ORD 14, UOM 7
ORD - Whittington,Noah 1 yd run (Sappington,Atticus kick), 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 02:01
ORD 21, UOM 7
ORD - Whittington,Noah 6 yd run (Boyle,Andrew kick), 10 plays, 94 yards, TOP 04:41
ORD 21, UOM 10
UOM - Zvada,Dominic 38 yd field goal 7 plays, 55 yards, TOP 02:28
ORD 28, UOM 10
ORD - Gabriel,Dillon 23 yd run (Boyle,Andrew kick), 7 plays, 80 yards, TOP 01:12
ORD 28, UOM 17
UOM - O'Leary,Peyton 6 yd pass from Warren,Davis (Zvada,Dominic kick) 10 plays, 75 yards, TOP 06:35
ORD 31, UOM 17
ORD - Sappington,Atticus 26 yd field goal 15 plays, 67 yards, TOP 06:33
ORD 38, UOM 17
ORD - James,Jordan 2 yd run (Sappington,Atticus kick), 11 plays, 90 yards, TOP 06:59
