Oregon extended its winning streak to 12 games against Washington at Husky Stadium with a 26-20 win on Saturday night.
Vernon Adams Jr’.s return as starting quarterback helped the offense, but it was Darren Carrington who gave the Ducks something they’d been missing for weeks: a vertical threat. Carrington finished with five receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns.
Oregon’s defense nearly gave away another late lead, but were able to hang on, albeit by a thread. The Ducks allowed the Huskies to get within six, and had a chance to take the lead with under a minute remaining. However, Ugo Amadi’s interception with 24 seconds left sealed the win for the Ducks.
Nonetheless, it was an encouraging performance for the Ducks, particularly on offense, one week after watching their lead vanish in a double overtime loss to Washington State.
Key plays
– On the opening drive of the second half, DeForest Buckner sacks Jake Browning on back to back plays, forcing the Huskies to kick a 46-yard field goal. Cameron Van Winkle converts, narrowing the margin 17-6.
– Adams finds Carrington for his second touchdown reception, this one from nine yards out. Oregon extends its lead 23 -6 over Washington.
– Nearing the end of the third quarter, Huskies running back Myles Gaskin breaks loose for a 72-yard touchdown run. The play reduces the Ducks’ lead 23-13.
– On the ensuing kickoff, Bralon Addison returns the ball 86 yards to the Huskies’ nine-yard line. The Ducks are unable to capitalize, however, as Aidan Schneider shanks a 26-yard field goal attempt.
– Oregon is once again forced to settle for a field goal in the red zone, but Schneider converts this one from 24 yards. Ducks extend their lead 26-13, six minutes into the fourth quarter.
– Browning hits Jaydon Mickens for a three-yard score with 3:35 remaining in the fourth. Oregon’s lead is reduced 26-20.
– Adams’ third down pass to Johnny Mundt falls short with 1:20 remaining. Huskies take over on their own 20-yard line.
– Amadi seals Oregon’s win, picking off K.J. Carta-Samuels’ pass with 24 seconds remaining.
Oregon passing
Vernon Adams Jr.: 14-for-25 for 272 yards, two touchdowns
Washington passing
Jake Browning: 19-for-30 for 199 yards, one touchdown
K.J. Carta-Samuels: 1-for-2 for six yards, one interception
Oregon rushing
Royce Freeman: 27 carries for 138 yards
Bralon Addison: 4 carries for 15 yards, one touchdown
Vernon Adams Jr.: 8 carries for 12 yards
Washington rushing
Myles Gaskin: 18 carries for 155 yards, one touchdown
K.J. Carta-Samuels: 2 carries for 16 yards
Oregon receiving
Darren Carrington: 5 catches for 125 yards, two touchdowns
Bralon Addison: 5 catches for 78 yards
Washington receiving
Dante Pettis: 4 catches for 65 yards
Joshua Perkins: 4 catches for 40 yards
Oregon total offense
442 yards
Washington total offense
385 yards
Follow Will Denner on Twitter @Will_Denner