The No. 1 Oregon Ducks (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten) are back home for an evening clash with the Maryland Terrapins (4-4, 1-4 Big Ten) as they look to stay perfect on the season. The Duck Store is once again sponsoring our live coverage, so follow along for updates! You may have to refresh for the latest news. Thanks for following along – Brady Ruth

FINAL: Oregon took down Maryland on Saturday night, 39-18. The Ducks improve to 10-0 and stay undefeated while Maryland falls to 4-5. Thank you for following along tonight!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Hello, friends. Here comes the part in the game where I venture down to the field for the final minutes. There is no service down there, so I’m forced to take a brief hiatus from updates. I’ll update everything postgame from the media presser. As always, it has been a privilege to provide you with coverage tonight. — Brady Ruth

(Q4- 8:01 – Maryland: 18, Oregon: 29) Oregon punts and downs the ball at the Maryland 8-yard line.

(Q4- 9:53 – Maryland: 18, Oregon: 29) A big ground gain from Noah Whittington moves the chains and the Ducks are out to midfield. A big run from Gabriel takes the ball down to the 34-yard line.

(Q4- 11:26 – Maryland: 18, Oregon: 29) Billy Edwards Jr. hits Octavian Smith Jr. for a TOUCHDOWN. Oregon gets flagged (shocking) and Maryland SCORES on the shortened two-point attempt. The Ducks defense has to stop gifting 1st downs. Oregon has 10 penalties for 75 yards. Maryland has 75 rushing yards.

(Q4- 11:32 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) Stop me if you’ve heard this one: Oregon gifts Maryland a 1st down with a penalty in the endzone.

(Q4- 11:50 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) Maryland faces 3rd-and-goal from the 6-yard line after an intentional grounding penalty.

(Q4- 12:46 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) Maryland makes hits the line to gain by a mere foot. 1st-and-goal from the 5-yard line.

(Q4- 13:10 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) Billy Edwards Jr. is tackled well short of the 1st-down marker. 4th-and-2. Offense on the field.

(Q4- 14:04 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) Billy Edwards Jr. scrambles for a gain of a few. 3rd-and-7 from the 13-yard line. Oregon’s Jordan Burch limps off the field. Bad news.

(Q3- 0:00 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) Maryland hits a couple big pass plays and is down to the Ducks’ 16-yard line as the third quarter expires.

(Q3- 0:34 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) Dillon Gabriel’s 4th-down passing attempt falls incomplete. Maryland gets the ball back on the Oregon 41-yard line.

(Q3- 2:45 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) Noah Whittington takes off for a 28-yard run to push the Ducks across midfield.

(Q3- 3:10 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) Bill Edwards Jr.’s pass sails into no-mans land and the Ducks get a stop. Oregon takes over on its own 25-yard line.

(Q3- 3:15 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) Dante Manning jumps offsides by a MILE and Maryland is trotting the offense back on the field for 4th-and-10.

(Q3- 3:15 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) Jordan Burch knocks the pass down and Maryland will attempt a 47-yard field goal.

(Q3- 3:26 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) Maryland gets popped for holding on 3rd-and-4. Big 3rd-and-long coming up. It no longer feels like four-down territory.

(Q3- 4:15 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) The Terps move the chains again down to Oregon’s 26-yard line.

(Q3- 5:01 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) Maryland picks up a rushing 1st down to the Ducks’ 38-yard line.

(Q3- 6:26 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) Bill Edwards Jr. scrambles for a 1st down run.

(Q3- 7:20 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) Maryland faces another early 3rd-and-long.

(Q3- 7:48 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 29) A trick-play pass to Gernorris Wilson is caught for an Oregon TOUCHDOWN. The two-point attempt is ran in by another lineman. Oregon leads 29-10.

(Q3- 7:52 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 21) Traeshon Holden makes a great leaping catch at the Maryland 3-yard line.

(Q3- 8:45 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 21) The Ducks are finally the beneficiaries of a pass interference call and have the ball at the Terrapins 27-yard line

(Q3- 8:45 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 21) Oregon fakes the punt and Jordan Burch takes off for a 36-yard 1st down run. The Ducks’ offense stays in business.

(Q3- 9:43 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 21) Oregon goes 3-and-out again. The Ducks have 13 yards of offense on two drives in the second half.

(Q3- 11:00 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 21) Gary Bryant Jr. calls for a fair catch at the 14-yard line. The Ducks will start from there.

(Q3- 11:08 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 21) Devon Jackson breaks up the 3rd-and-10 attempt and Maryland will punt back to Oregon.

(Q3- 11:13 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 21) A tipped pass brings up 3rd-and-10 from the 45-yard line.

(Q3- 12:14 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 21) The Terrapins pick up another big 3rd-down conversion out to the 45-yard line.

(Q3- 13:35 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 21) Gabriel’s keeper goes nowhere and the Ducks go 3-and-out to start the half.

(Q3- 14:26 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 21) Oregon faces an early 3rd-and-3.

(Q3- 15:00 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 21) Touchback. Oregon starts on its own 25-yard line.

(Q2- 0:00 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 21) Maryland kneels out the half. HALFTIME in Eugene.

(Q2- 0:20 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 21) The call stands. TOUCHDOWN. The extra point is GOOD. Oregon will take a two-score lead into the break.

(Q2- 0:20 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 20) Terrance Ferguson hauls in a diving, 8-yard TOUCHDOWN reception. The ball looks like it may have hit the ground and the play is being reviewed .

(Q2- 0:27 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 14) Lanning calls the first timeout of the half. It’s 3rd-and-goal from the 8-yard line.

(Q2- 0:54 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 14) Oregon is not getting calls like Maryland is, but Terrance Ferguson picks up a 1st down to the Terrapins’ 9-yard line.

(Q2- 1:23 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 14) Noah Whittington picks up a 1st down to the Terps’ 22-yard line.

(Q2- 1:41 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 14) Evan Stewart picks up a nice gain across midfield.

(Q2- 2:00 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 14) Jordan James picks up a nice run on 3rd-and-1 before being dragged down from behind (no flag) after a gain of 10. The Ducks have the ball on their own 44-yard line. 2-minute timeout.

(Q2- 3:17 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 14) Oregon goes 3-and-out for the third time tonight. Maryland will get the ball back in the waning minutes of the first half.

(Q2- 3:17 – Maryland: 10, Oregon: 14) pushes forward for a Maryland TOUCHDOWN. The Ducks gave the Terrapins THREE 1st downs on penalties on the drive and Maryland takes full advantage. The extra point is GOOD. Oregon will get a chance to respond before halftime.

(Q2- 3:43 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 14) Oregon gets flagged for pass interference in the endzone. 1st-and-goal from the 2-yard line.

(Q2- 5:09 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 14) Billy Edwards Jr. gets sacked, but Derrick Harmon gets knocked for a facemask. Maryland gets another automatic 1st down and is down to the Oregon 12-yard line.

(Q2- 6:17 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 14) Maryland lines up for 4th-and-8 from the 40-yard line. Bill Edwards Jr.’s pass sails incomplete but a pass interference call on Tysheem Johnson extends Maryland’s drive.

(Q2- 7:21 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 14) Maryland opens the drive with a huge, 23-yard completion to the Ducks’ 43-yard line.

(Q2- 7:42 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 14) The Terrapins get the ball back on their own 30-yard line.

(Q2- 8:03 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 14) Noah Whittington is met in the backfield for a loss on 3rd-and-1. Oregon goes 3-and-out and will punt back to Maryland.

(Q2- 9:23 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 14) After a wonky snap, Bryant Jr. gets tackled at the Ducks’ 11-yard line. That’s where they’ll start their next drive.

(Q2- 9:55 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 14) Edwards Jr. takes off on 3rd-and-10 and slips for no gain. Oregon forces a stop. Gary Bryant Jr. back to receive the punt.

(Q2- 11:07 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 14) Maryland faces another 3rd-and-10

(Q2- 11:33 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 14) Billy Edwards Jr. finds Octavian Smith Jr. for a big pickup across midfield and the Terps pick up a big 1st down.

(Q2- 12:33 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 14) The Terrapins go nowhere on their first few plays and face 3rd-and-9.

(Q2- 13:03 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 14) Oregon’s kickoff goes out of bounds. Maryland starts on its own 35-yard line.

(Q2- 13:10 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 14) EDITOR’S NOTE – The Ducks have to be thrilled to have Jordan Burch back in the lineup. Oregon’s defense gets its fist touchdown of the season. Huge momentum-building moment.

(Q2- 13:10 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 14) The call stands. Brandon Johnson picks up a 62-yard touchdown off a strip by Jordan Burch. The extra point is GOOD and the Ducks extend their lead early in the second.

(Q2- 13:10 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 13) Billy Edwards Jr. is hit and FUMBLES the ball. It’s returned 61 yards for an Oregon TOUCHDOWN. The plays is being reviewed.

(Q2- 13:33 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 7) 3rd-and-6 from the 39-yard line.

(Q2- 14:39 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 7) Maryland picks up a 1st down across midfield.

(Q1- 0:00 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 7) END OF Q1

(Q1- 0:31 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 7) Bill Edwards Jr. takes off running on 3rd-and-3. He picks up the needed yardage and then some. 1st down to the 37-yard line.

(Q1- 1:54 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 7) Jeffrey Bassa stuffs the run on 1st down.

(Q1- 2:21 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 7) Oregon goes 92 yards in 14 plays. A great drive that featured multiple 3rd and 4th-down conversions gives the Ducks’ defense a lead to protect.

(Q1- 2:21 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 7) Jordan James pushes forward for an Oregon TOUCHDOWN. The extra point is GOOD and Oregon has its first lead of the contest.

(Q1- 2:30 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) Jordan James hauls in a reception and takes it down to the Terrapins’ 3-yard line.

(Q1- 3:11 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) Jordan James picks up a gain of seven on 4th-and-1. 1st down Oregon.

(Q1- 3:40 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) Traeshon Holden makes a reception to bring up 4th-and-1. Holden is down and being looked at for a lower-body injury.

(Q1- 4:03 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) Kenyon Sadiq makes up the penalty yardage. 3rd-and-11.

(Q1- 4:27 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) A false start penalty sets the Ducks up with 2nd-and-15 from midfield.

(Q1- 4:27 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) Evan Stewart gets blasted after a reception, but holds on for a 13-yard completion. 1st-and-10 across midfield.

(Q1- 5:31 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) Jordan James is wrapped up for no gain on 2nd-and-7 a late flag came in for a facemask and the Ducks get an automatic 1st down out to the 39-yard line.

(Q1- 6:40 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) Jordan James pushes forward for an Oregon 1st down.

(Q1- 7:06 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) Evan Stewart with back-to-back receptions along the sideline to set up 3rd-and-1.

(Q1- 7:57 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) Evan Stewart FUMBLES the punt return, but Dante Manning recovers it at the Ducks’ 8-yard line.

(Q1- 8:05 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) Dante Manning breaks up the 3rd-down pass. Maryland opting to punt from midfield.

(Q1- 8:26 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) Maryland faces 3rd-and-3 from its own 47-yard line.

(Q1- 9:21 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) EDITOR’S NOTE – There is a LOT of football left to be played, but this is how upsets start. Oregon’s dropping passes, shanking punts and extending Maryland’s drives with penalties.

(Q1- 9:21 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) Terrance Ferguson drops what would have been a 1st down grab. Gabriel hit him right in the hands. Oregon goes 3-and-out on its opening drive. The punt is SHANKED and the Terrapins takes over on their own 40-yard line.

(Q1- 9:50 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) Oregon faces 3rd-and-7 from its own 28-yard line.

(Q1- 10:12 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) Jordan James drops a short pass on the Ducks’ first play from scrimmage.

(Q1- 10:17 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) Touchback. Oregon starts on its own 25-yard line.

(Q1- 10:17 – Maryland: 3, Oregon: 0) An incompletion and an false start penalty makes Maryland settle for a field goal attempt. Jack Howes’ 37-yard kick is GOOD and the Terrapins strike first in Eugene.

(Q1- 10:32 – Maryland: 0, Oregon: 0) 3rd-and-4 from the Ducks’ 15-yard line.

(Q1- 11:23 – Maryland: 0, Oregon: 0) Edwards Jr. hits Dylan Wade for a 1st down to the Oregon 21-yard line.

(Q1- 11:48 – Maryland: 0, Oregon: 0) Billy Edwards Jr.’s pass sails wide downfield. 3rd-and-7 from the 32.

(Q1- 12:19 – Maryland: 0, Oregon: 0) A big pass from Billy Edwards Jr. has Maryland approaching the redzone

(Q1- 13:10 – Maryland: 0, Oregon: 0) A big screen pass has Maryland across midfield. 1st down.

(Q1- 13:36 – Maryland: 0, Oregon: 0) Maryland’s punter gets blown up by Daylen Austin and the Ducks get flagged for roughing the kicker. Maryland gets an automatic 1st down. Bad break early for Oregon.

(Q1- 13:48 – Maryland: 0, Oregon: 0) Billy Edwards Jr.’s pass sails long. Incomplete. The Ducks force an early 3-and-out.

(Q1- 14:08 – Maryland: 0, Oregon, 0) Maryland’s first play is a run that gains half a yard. Its run goes for six. 3rd-and-3

(Q1- 15:00 – Maryland: 0, Oregon, 0) Touchback. The Terps start on their own 25-yard line.

(Q1- 15:00 – Maryland: 0, Oregon, 0) Maryland wins the kickoff and elects to receive. The Terrapins will start with the ball. Let’s play some November Autzen football!

The post Oregon versus Maryland: LIVE COVERAGE appeared first on Daily Emerald.

As “Let’s go Ducks!” chants rained down in The Big House, the reigning national champions suffered their fourth defeat of their title-defending season. 

Despite a brief moment in the fourth quarter in which Michigan looked like they might spark a comeback, the Ducks had full control of the Wolverines in their ninth win of the season. 

There are momentum swings and defining moments in any football game. One drive late in the first half felt as though it put Oregon’s victory on ice. 

The previous Michigan drive left head coach Sherrone Moore with a difficult decision. Does he trust his struggling offense to attempt a 4th-down conversion from the Oregon 42-yard line, or does he bring out the punt team and try to pin the Ducks deep in their own territory? He opted for the latter, much to the chagrin of The Big House crowd. 

But, it worked. Oregon started its next drive from its own 6-yard line, clinging to a 14-7 lead with nine minutes to play in the first half. 

It was a crucial moment. A scoring drive could give Oregon a two-score lead and remove some of the crowd’s energy. 

It ended up being one of Oregon’s best and most timely drives of the season. Dillon Gabriel led a 10-play, 94-yard touchdown drive that took 4:37 off the clock. 

The drive was a masterclass from Gabriel, who was 5/6 for 68 yards. Aside from the one incompletion, Oregon gained yardage on each play. 

The Ducks gained four 1st downs on the drive, twice converting on crucial 3rd-down situations.

Gabriel hit Justius Lowe twice for 20 yards, Patrick Herbert for five and Evan Stewart for five before hitting Traeshon Holden in stride along the sideline on 3rd-and-1 for a gain of 38, setting the Ducks up on the doorstep for Noah Whittingon to punch in his second touchdown of the day. 

Oregon took a 21-7 and, more importantly, all of the game’s momentum. With Michigan on its heels, the Ducks scored once more before the half, effectively removing The Big House noise. 

“We talked about eliminating the crowd in this game,” Lanning said. “The warriors are the ones that fight the battle and they’re the ones that control the atmosphere, not the spectators.” 

With a 28-10 halftime lead, the Ducks were able to be a little experimental and unconventional in the third quarter, a period that’s plagued Oregon in 2024. The Ducks have struggled to have any sense of dominance in the third quarter this season, and Lanning is well aware of it. 

“Yeah, there’s a trend, right?” Lanning said about third-quarter struggles. “There’s something we’re certainly aware of and attacking. You know, again, they came out and got a 3-and-out on the very first drive in the third quarter. So, it’s something we want to look at and improve.”

However, the cushioned lead allowed the Ducks to experiment with unique formations and varying personnel. Given the Tez Johnson injury, Gabriel’s weapons became a revolving door in the second half. So, the Ducks had to improvise.

“Those [formations] were all part of our initial plan,” Lanning said. “We talked about trying to enhance our ability to be better in the third quarter and having some pieces who could help us out there. But it was ultimately stuff we didn’t get to in the first half that we felt was available to us in the second half.” 

Gabriel commented after the game saying that he’s worked with just about every combination of offensive personnel that one could draw up. His confidence remains steady no matter who’s on the field. When seeing the kind of momentum-creating drives he’s able to orchestrate, it’s understandable why.

There’s a game-winning shot in every game. Obviously. 

But, what was unusual about Wednesday night’s contest at Matthew Knight Arena is that the game-winning shot came in the third quarter. 

With 2:39 remaining in the third frame, Amina Muhammad hit a free throw to put Oregon ahead 59-38. It was an insignificant point, aside from putting the Ducks (2-0) at a number Nevada (0-1) wouldn’t reach in their 76-58 win. 

Deja Kelly had a big night, propelling Oregon to another decisive victory in the young season. 

The first quarter featured two teams looking to get a feel for one another. With Nevada taking the hardwood for the first time in the 2024 regular season, it took a bit (1:40) to get on the board and find some rhythm. The Ducks also had a sloppy start to the contest, collecting five personal fouls in both the first and second quarters. 

“The first quarter, I thought they just beat us on back cuts and things like that,” Oregon head coach Kelly Graves said. “We just weren’t on our toes.”

Five different members of Nevada’s squad scored in the icebreaking frame while the Ducks tallied six turnovers and, consequently, Oregon found itself trailing 14-12 after 10 minutes of play. 

Deja Kelly and the Ducks took over in the second quarter. The Ducks limited their offensive turnovers and fouls and locked up Nevada’s shooters to ignite a 14-0 run and hold the Wolfpack scoreless for almost five full minutes. 

Kelly displayed her mid-range ability, hitting a quartet of floaters in the second frame to lead the team with eight points in the quarter. She finished her big night with 21 points, four rebounds and three assists. 

“Deja, she comes in with all those accolades,” Graves said. “But, I’m telling you, she does a lot of the dirty work. She’s just really coachable. She’s a pleasure to have on our team and to coach and I can see why she’s so highly-regarded by everyone in the country.”

Across her four seasons at North Carolina and her first game with the Ducks on Monday, Kelly entered Wednesday’s contest averaging 15.4 points per game, a number that’ll raise after her dominant performance against Nevada. 

Peyton Scott had six points in the second quarter, three coming from a 3-point shot and three via a hard, and-1 foul that sent her to the floor. Scott’s physicality and hardnose gameplay will be a key factor in 2024 that the Ducks missed last season with Scott tearing her ACL in the year’s first game. 

Scott led the team in the first half with 12 points on 4-7 shooting, and finished with a trio of assists.

“Man, I love just being on the floor, being under the lights and playing with my teammates,” Scott said. “I feel like I’m a pretty passionate player, so you’re all gonna see that through the rest of the year.”

The Ducks went into the locker room at halftime with a 40-23 lead after outscoring the Wolfpack 28-9 in the second quarter. Unfortunately for Graves’ squad, three different players (Sarah Rambus, Kelly and Katie Fiso) recorded multiple personal fouls in the first half, something they looked to address in the game’s final 20 minutes. 

The third frame was noticeably cleaner for the Ducks as they only had one foul and one turnover, however Nevada’s offense found a bit more rhythm. Kelly again led the quarter’s scoring with 10 as Oregon outscored Nevada 24-17 despite six Wolfpack members recording points.

“We’re still a work in progress,” Graves said. “We’ve gotta clean up the fouls. We’ve gotta be a lot more physical. We’ve gotta be a lot more engaged.”

As reserve players got some playing time in the fourth quarter, the Ducks’ fouls and turnovers increased, but Oregon was so far ahead that it didn’t matter. Nevada outscored Oregon 18-12 in the final frame, but still fell well short of its first win of the season. 

In all, 12 Oregon players found playing time with 10 of them recording at least one point. 

Nevada’s best player was, by and large, Kennedy Lee. Her solid performance, overshadowed by the Ducks’ suffocating win, consisted of nine points, four rebounds and three steals. 

As a team, Oregon shot 50.8% from the field, 30.0% from behind the arc and 58.8% from the line. Had Wednesday’s game been a part of the Ducks’ rough 11-21 2023 campaign, Oregon’s 3-point shooting and field-goal percentage would have been above its season averages.

Oregon star Phillipina Kyei only tallied 6:42 minutes (one point, one rebound , two blocks, two steals) on Wednesday as she continues to nurse her ankle injury and ease her way into the season. 

“She’s just gotta keep working at it,” Graves said. “It’ll take her some time to work herself back to full shape but she’s hungry and she’s ready to get back out. 

Kelly, Alex Whitfield, Muhammad and Scott all tallied double-digit performances in the win as Oregon picked up its second resounding victory of the young season. The Ducks are back in action on Sunday as their first big test comes to town in the form of No. 12 Baylor. Tipoff is slated for 7:00 pm. 

No. 1 Oregon (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) is in Ann Arbor, Michigan for a showdown in The Big House with the Michigan Wolverines (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten). The Ducks look to stay undefeated in their first Big Ten season against the defending national champions. Brady Ruth is on the live coverage today and will be providing updates all game long. Follow here for LIVE updates presented by The Duck Store. You may need to refresh for the latest updates. 

(Q4: 0:00 – Oregon: 38, Michigan: 17) FINAL. The No. 1 Ducks stay perfect with a 38-17 win over Michigan in The Big House. Oregon returns to action next Saturday against Maryland. Thanks for following along with LIVE updates from The Duck Store.

(Q4: 0:25 – Oregon: 38, Michigan: 17) Jordan James pushes forward for an Oregon TOUCHDOWN in the waning seconds. The Ducks’ lead is 21.

(Q4: 2:00 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) Oregon has ripped the clock to shreds. The Ducks have the ball 1st-and-goal from the 9-yard line at the 2:00 timeout.

(Q4: 3:11 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) Gabriel hits Traeshon Holden on a beautiful pass for 47 yards down to the 21-yard line.

(Q4: 4:53 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) Oregon is taking its sweet time on this drive, picking up 1st downs and running the clock down.

(Q4: 7:24 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) A trick play leaves Semaj Morgan with a passing opportunity, but he throws it two yards out of the endzone. The Ducks get a stop and The Big House is starting to clear out.

(Q4: 7:49 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) 4th-and-5 upcoming.

(Q4: 8:06 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) 3rd-and-7 from the 12-yard line. Definitely 4-down territory here for Michigan.

(Q4: 9:39 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) After review, Orji stepped out at the 15-yard line. Still 1st down.

(Q4: 9:39 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) Quarterback Alex Orji keeps the ball and fights a run down to the 12-yard line for 29-yards.

(Q4: 10:30 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) Donovan Edwards rips off a big chunk run to the Ducks’ 41-yard line.

(Q4: 11:11 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) Michigan picks up a BIG 1st down across the middle of the field to the 37-yard line.

(Q4: 11:43 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) Nice play from Davis Warren as he escapes a sack and throws it away. 3rd-and-12.

(Q4: 12:23 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) Touchback.

(Q4: 12:32 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) Gabriel’s 3rd-and-13 pass falls out of reach of Noah Whittington. Michigan is going to get the ball back, trailing by 14.

(Q4: 12:36 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) Injury timeout for Marcus Harper. He’s down and appears to be in considerable pain.

(Q4: 12:49 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) A false start penalty brings up 2nd-and-13 from the Oregon 37-yard line

(Q4: 14:42 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) The call stands. Michigan punts back to Oregon. The Ducks take over on their own 28-yard line. The boos are getting loud.

(Q4: 14:49 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) Michigan is challenging an incomplete pass ruling on 3rd-and-8. It looked like a catch and The Big House crowd agrees.

(Q3: 0:00 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) END OF 3Q

(Q3: 0:36 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) Touchback out to the 25-yard line.

(Q3: 0:36 – Oregon: 31, Michigan: 17) Gabriel’s pass falls incomplete. Sappington’s 25-yard field goal attempt is GOOD. Oregon takes a 14-point lead in the waning seconds of the third quarter.

(Q3: 1:09 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 17) Oregon faces 3rd-and-goal from the 8-yard line.

(Q3: 1:59 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 17) Jordan James breaks through the Michigan defensive line for a 22-yard gain to the 10-yard line. 1st-and-goal.

(Q3: 2:26 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 17) Michigan gets popped for 12 men on the field.

(Q3: 2:59 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 17) Oregon picks up a 1st down.

(Q3: 3:28 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 17) Oregon faces 3rd-and-3 from the 46-yard line. Timeout Michigan.

(Q3: 4:09 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 17) Noah Whittington takes the ball across midfield.

(Q3: 4:33 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 17) An illegal formation on Michigan gives Oregon a 1st down. The Wolverines lined up over the center.

(Q3: 4:42 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 17) A risky 3rd down pass from Gabriel gets knocked away. The punt team comes on.

(Q3: 5:32 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 17) Gabriel scrambles and throws it away on 1st down. Injury timeout for an injured Wolverine.

(Q3: 6:49 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 17) Jordan James starts the Ducks’ drive with a nine-yard gain.

(Q3: 7:09 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 17) Touchback. Oregon takes over on its own 25-yard line.

(Q3: 7:09 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 17) Davis Warren drops a perfectly-paced ball in the hands of Peyton O’Leary for a Michigan TOUCHDOWN. The extra point is GOOD. Michigan is alive!!

(Q3: 7:48 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 10) Oregon forces 3rd-and-goal.

(Q3: 8:48 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 10) Loveland picks up another 1st down to the Ducks’ 6-yard line.

(Q3: 9:50 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 10) Michigan loses four on 1st down.

(Q3: 10:20 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 10) Michigan converts on a 3rd-and-long for a big 1st down to the 22-yard line.

(Q3: 12:30 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 10) Warren hits a WIDE OPEN Loveland for 38 yards to the Ducks 39-yard line.

(Q3: 13:47 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 10) Oregon goes 3-and-out to open the half. Michigan takes over on its own 25-yard line.

(Q2: 0:00 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 10) HALFTIME. No. 1 Oregon is dominating Michigan.

(Q2: 0:35 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 10) Michigan returns the punt to the 15-yard line.

(Q2: 0:35 – Oregon: 28, Michigan: 10) Dillon Gabriel takes off for a 23-yard TOUCHDOWN run. The extra point is GOOD and the Ducks are all over the Wolverines.

(Q2: 0:45 – Oregon: 21, Michigan: 10) A screen pass to Ferguson brings up 3rd-and-1. Oregon picks up a 1st down on a run. The Ducks call their first timeout of the half.

(Q2: 1:13 – Oregon: 21, Michigan: 10) An incredible, one-handed catch in the endzone by Stewart is nullified by an ineligible man call. Bad break for Oregon.

(Q2: 1:26 – Oregon: 21, Michigan: 10) Traeshon Holden hauls in a big, 44-yard completion and takes it down to the Michigan 34-yard line.

(Q2: 1:51 – Oregon: 21, Michigan: 10) The kick is GOOD. Oregon has plenty of time (and three timeouts) to score again before the end of the half. The Ducks will get the ball back after the break.

(Q2: 1:55 – Oregon: 21, Michigan: 7) Incomplete. Michigan will attempt a 38-yard field goal.

(Q2: 2:00 – Oregon: 21, Michigan: 7) Jeffrey Bassa makes a nice backfield stop to bring up 3rd-and-11 from the 20-yard line. Two minute warning.

(Q2: 2:21 – Oregon: 21, Michigan: 7) A trick play brings the Wolverines down to the Oregon 19-yard line.

(Q2: 3:19 – Oregon: 21, Michigan: 7) The Wolverines hit a big pass play and are close to midfield.

(Q2: 4:19 – Oregon: 21, Michigan: 7) Touchback. Michigan takes over from its own 25-yard line.

(Q2: 4:19 – Oregon: 21, Michigan: 7) Noah Whittington rushes to the outside for an Oregon TOUCHDOWN. The kick is GOOD and the Ducks claim a two-score lead.

(Q2: 4:24 – Oregon: 14, Michigan: 7) The Ducks convert on 3rd-and-1 with a long, 38-yard dart to Traeshon Holden. 1st-and-goal from the 6-yard line.

(Q2: 5:34 – Oregon: 14, Michigan: 7) Oregon gets across midfield as James pushes forward for eight yards.

(Q2: 6:24 – Oregon: 14, Michigan: 7) Jordan James with a big run out to the 32-yard line.

(Q2: 7:54 – Oregon: 14, Michigan: 7) Evan Stewart moves the chains on 3rd down. He just barely made the line to gain.

(Q2: 8:34 – Oregon: 14, Michigan: 7) Patrick Herbert gets the Ducks off their own doorstep on 1st down with a 5-yard gain.

(Q2: 9:00 – Oregon: 14, Michigan: 7) The Wolverines opt to punt on 4th-and-5 from the Ducks’ 42-yard line. The punt is downed at the 6-yard line.

(Q2: 9:30 – Oregon: 14, Michigan: 7) Michigan again loses yardage on 1st down. 2nd-and-13 from midfield.

(Q2: 10:40 – Oregon: 14, Michigan: 7) The Ducks go 3-and-out. The Wolverines get the ball back on Oregon’s 49-yard line.

(Q2: 10:56 – Oregon: 14, Michigan: 7) A long pass to Evan Stewart is broken up. 3rd-and-8.

(Q2: 11:37 – Oregon: 14, Michigan: 7) Davis Warren’s 3rd down pass is batted away Dante Manning. Michigan punts. Evan Stewart calls for a fair catch at the 13-yard line.

(Q2: 12:11 – Oregon: 14, Michigan: 7) Bryce Boettcher with a backfield stop. It’s 3rd-and-7.

(Q2: 13:30 – Oregon: 14, Michigan: 7) Michigan picks up a quick 1st down to the 36-yard line.

(Q2: 14:10 – Oregon: 14, Michigan: 7) The Wolverines gain seven on 1st down.

(Q2: 14:30 – Oregon: 14, Michigan: 7) Michigan starts on its own 25-yard line.

(Q2: 14:30 – Oregon: 14, Michigan: 7) The call stands. The extra point is GOOD. Oregon reclaims the lead.

(Q2: 14:30 – Oregon: 13, Michigan: 7) Noah Whittington rushes in for an Oregon TOUCHDOWN. The play is under further review.

(Q2: 15:00 – Oregon: 7, Michigan: 7) END OF Q1

(Q1: 0:00 – Oregon: 7, Michigan: 7) Jordan James picks up a 1st down on a brilliant draw.

(Q1: 0:20 – Oregon: 7, Michigan: 7) Dillon Gabriel benefits from a generous roughing-the-passer call. Oregon picks up an automatic 1st down to the 33-yard line.

(Q1: 0:21 – Oregon: 7, Michigan: 7) Dillon Gabriel hits Kenyon Sadiq for a big gain and the Ducks are across midfield.

(Q1: 1:31 – Oregon: 7, Michigan: 7) Touchback. Oregon takes back over on its own 25-yard line.

(Q1: 1:31 – Oregon: 7, Michigan: 7) Davis Warren hits Tyler Morris for a Michigan TOUCHDOWN. The extra point is GOOD and we are tied at The Big House. The special teams fumble costs the Ducks dearly.

(Q1: 1:55 – Oregon: 7, Michigan: 0) Alex Orji takes the ball down to the 7-yard line. 3rd-and-goal.

(Q1: 2:34 – Oregon: 7, Michigan: 0) Edwards gains five. 2nd-and-goal.

(Q1: 3:14 – Oregon: 7, Michigan: 0) An illegal shift penalty makes it 1st-and-goal to the 15-yard line.

(Q1: 3:33 – Oregon: 7, Michigan: 0) A big run from Donovan Edwards takes Michigan down to the 10-yard line. 1st-and-goal.

(Q1: 4:50 – Oregon: 7, Michigan: 0) Davis Warren is stripped and FUMBLES. He ran into his own lineman, but recovered his own fumble. Michigan punts. Oregon FUMBLES the kick. Michigan recovers on Oregon’s 28-yard line.

(Q1: 6:33 – Oregon: 7, Michigan: 0) Michigan loses yardage on its first play for the second-straight drive. 2nd-and-12 from the 23.

(Q1: 6:53 – Oregon: 7, Michigan: 0) Dillon Gabriel finds Evan Stewart for a 2-yard TOUCHDOWN. The Ducks strike first. Sappington’s extra point is GOOD. Oregon went 63 yards in 12 plays. Gabriel was a perfect 7-7.

(Q1: 9:38 – Oregon: 0, Michigan: 0) 1st-and-goal from the 8-yard line

(Q1: 9:38 – Oregon: 0, Michigan: 0) Evan Stewart hauls in a reception for a 1st down.

(Q1: 10:25 – Oregon: 0, Michigan: 0) Oregon faces 3rd-and-5 on the 28-yard line.

(Q1: 11:50 – Oregon: 0, Michigan: 0) Three passes, three completions. Oregon is down to the Michigan 37-yard line.

(Q1: 12:30 – Oregon: 0, Michigan: 0) Tez Johnson snags a catch-and-run and takes the ball across midfield for a 1st down.

(Q1: 12:50 – Oregon: 0, Michigan: 0) Gabriel hits Lowe on the first play of Oregon’s day. Gain of six.

(Q1: 13:19 – Oregon: 0, Michigan: 0) Jabbar Muhammad breaks up Michigan’s 3rd-and-7 pass attempt. The Wolverines punt and Tez Johnson returns it to Oregon’s 37-yard line.

(Q1: 14:40 – Oregon: 0, Michigan: 0) Michigan loses five yards on the opening play from scrimmage on a run that got blown up by Derrick Harmon.

(Q1: 14:53 – Oregon: 0, Michigan: 0) The Wolverines return the ball to their own 32-yard line. Let’s play some football!

(Q1: 15:00 – Oregon: 0, Michigan: 0) Oregon wins the toss and defers. Michigan will start with the ball.

When the Ducks’ 2024 schedule dropped, this was by far the biggest road game of the season and their second-biggest test on the slate, only closely behind hosting Ohio State. 

Before the start of the season, the idea of facing the defending national champions in their home stadium seemed a lot more daunting than it does now. The Michigan Wolverines currently sit at 5-3 on the season and seventh in the Big Ten standings at 3-2. 

Still, one of the most historically-dominant forces in the Big Ten can never be overlooked, especially at home. 

The Ducks and the Wolverines will be meeting for the sixth time ever, with Michigan leading the all-time series 3-2. Oregon was shut out in its first three contests against the Wolverines, all of which took place in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Ducks, however, were victorious in their past two meetings with Michigan, winning 31-27 in Eugene in 2003 and 39-7 in The Big House in 2007.  

An early-season loss to No. 3 at the time Texas revealed the first cracks in the Wolverines’ title-defense campaign. Later losses to both Washington and No. 22 at the time Illinois exposed that Michigan’s 2024 team is far from the threat it typically is in the Big Ten. 

Offensively, Michigan is still a work in progress. 

The Wolverines are yet to score more than 30 points in a game this season (30-10 win over Fresno State in Week 1), and were limited to 20 or fewer points in all three of their losses. Head Coach Sherrone Moore has tried three different players at quarterback this year — Davis Warren, Jack Tuttle and Alex Orji — but nobody in the trio has tallied more than 567 yards (Warren) on the season. For comparison, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel has 2,371 air yards — good for eighth-most in the country. 

Michigan’s rushing attack has been somewhat of a bright spot on a dull offense. While neither Kalel Mullings (694 rushing yards) or Donovan Edwards (415) have tallied as many ground yards as Oregon’s Jordan James (800), the Wolverines’ duo has accounted for 11 of Michigan’s 18 total offensive touchdowns in 2024. The Oregon defense’s main goal should be to limit the Wolverines’ ground attack and force them to rely on a weak passing game for production. If Oregon can strike first, as it did against both Purdue and Illinois, it can force Michigan’s hand early. 

Unsurprisingly, it’s been the Wolverines’ defense that’s kept them in games in 2024. Linebackers Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham lead the team in tackles with 56 and 46 respectively, and could cause major issues for the Ducks’ offense. 

Senior defensive end Josaiah Stewart has six and a half sacks on the season, good for second in the Big Ten, and Michigan sits fourth in the Big Ten in sacks with 21 on the season. Fortunately for Oregon, the Ducks are second with 24. 

Gabriel has been prone to interceptions this season, and will face a secondary that’s forced six interceptions so far. Defensive back Will Johnson has a pair of them, but could struggle with Oregon’s three-headed monster of Evan Stewart, Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden if he’s able to go. 

A big key for both teams will be creating or containing momentum by controlling the turnover battle. Oregon boasts a +4 turnover ratio on the season while Michigan will look to chip away at its -6 ratio. 

Michigan will be relying on its home atmosphere. Before the Wolverines’ Week 2 loss to the Longhorns, they hadn’t been beaten at home since a 2020 loss to Penn State. Oregon will look to stay perfect on a 12:30 p.m. kickoff  on Nov. 2 against the defending champs.

The Ducks’ dominating win over Purdue on Friday night opened Saturday up to watch the rest of the conference in action. While Ohio State (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten), Penn State (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten), Minnesota (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) and Washington (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) rested on their bye weeks, the rest of the Big Ten was in action. How did each team fare?

No. 22 Illinois earns 21-7 win over No. 24 Michigan

The Fighting Illini (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) defeated the Wolverines (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) for the first time since 2009 on Saturday as they scored 10 points off of Michigan turnovers in one of their biggest wins in recent history. Illinois has considerable momentum for their Week 9 trip to Eugene. 

Michigan’s fall from glory has been rapid and ghastly. The Wolverines are flat-out bad. Illinois only had 267 yards of offense, and it was good enough to hand Michigan its third loss of the season. The Wolverines host their in-state rival Michigan State next week. 

No. 16 Indiana romps Nebraska in 56-7 home win

Indiana (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) has taken the conference by storm, collecting win after win. Saturday was no different as the Hoosiers tallied close to 500 total yards of offense and turned Nebraska’s (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) Dylan Raiola over three times.The Hoosiers might just be legit.

The Cornhuskers’ season doesn’t get any easier as they travel for a road contest against Ohio State next week. Indiana will host ESPN’s College GameDay before its Week 9 clash against Washington.

Maryland rallies to defeat USC 29-28

A two-point conversion proved the difference in Maryland’s (4-3, 1-3 Big Ten) surprising win over the Trojans (3-4, 1-4 Big Ten). USC led 21-7 at the half, but a ferocious comeback from the Terrapins continued the Trojans’ 2024 woes. 

USC’s first season in the Big Ten has been an atrocity, and the Trojans are now fighting to even make a bowl game. Maryland takes on Minnesota in Week 9 while USC hosts Rutgers. 

Michigan State stuns Iowa with 32-20 win

One week after thumping Washington, the Hawkeyes (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) couldn’t handle Michigan State? What a weird season. MSU’s (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) Aidan Chiles threw for 256 yards and a touchdown in a much-needed win for the Spartans before their rivalry game against Michigan next week. 

Iowa, meanwhile, only had 150 passing yards and 133 ground yards. The Hawkeyes couldn’t get anything going offensively, and will look to regroup next week against Northwestern. 

Wisconsin muffles Northwestern in 23-3 win

After a rocky start to their season, the Badgers (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) appear to be back on track. They picked up their third-straight dominating conference win as they limited Northwestern (3-4, 1-3 Big Ten) to just 209 yards of offense. Tawee Walker led the charge for Wisconsin, collecting 126 ground yards in the win.

Wisconsin hosts Penn State next week while Northwestern travels to Iowa with hopes to serve the Hawkeyes a second straight loss. 

UCLA earns first conference win with 35-32 victory over Rutgers

One of the conference’s better games of the week featured a surprising result as struggling UCLA (2-5, 1-4 Big Ten) knocked off Rutgers (4-3, 1-3 Big Ten), which had looked pretty solid at times in 2024. UCLA got ahead early and never trailed in the back-and-forth affair. The Scarlet Knights couldn’t get off the field on defense and dropped its third game of the year. 

UCLA is off next week while Rutgers looks to rebound on Friday night in a road contest against USC.

Oregon dominated an Ohio State University this weekend. 

You already know this. The world saw the game, the score and the mob scene that ensued as Oregon captured its biggest win in recent history. 

But, as has been the case for most of the Ducks’ season through their 6-0 (3-0 Big Ten) start, the 32-31 score doesn’t tell the full story. 

Oregon worked the No. 2-ranked Buckeyes (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten). Dan Lanning’s squad won by one point, but it could have been so much more. 

A quick disclaimer: this is not a commentary directed to pick apart the Ducks’ mistakes or harp on the negatives of the day. Instead, it poses an exciting question: what can this team be when firing on all cylinders?

Entering a game against one of the country’s best rushing offenses without star defensive end Jordan Burch was a major concern. Yet, the Ducks limited the Buckeyes’ ground game to just 141 yards and OSU’s one-two punch of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson — perhaps the best rushing duo in the country — to 110 combined yards. And they did it without Burch. 

“Jordan is certainly a loss for us,” Lanning said postgame. “You don’t replace a Jordan. He’s been unbelievable this season. But, you know, in football, it’s about the next man up… and some guys showed up tonight.”

So, imagine how much more effective the defense could have been with Burch. 

Imagine what Ohio State’s score is if a questionable completion on its first drive gets reviewed. Replay showed a bobbled ball, secured by Jeffrey Bassa. The Buckeyes, quite wisely, got up to the line and ran a play before Lanning could call a timeout. Ohio State went on to score on that drive, but what if it had been reviewed?

“I thought there might be a review on the field,” Lanning said. “I thought [the officials] missed that opportunity. We were trying to get that information from up top, and if they could see it…We got pretty excited on that play, we almost didn’t get back for the next play.”

For argument’s sake, let’s take those points off the board. Now, it’s a 32-24 Oregon win.

Imagine if Traeshon Holden, one of Oregon’s best wide receivers, doesn’t lose control of his temper and get himself ejected. Prior to spitting on an opponent and being dealt an early exit, Holden had a big 32-yard reception to set the Ducks up in great scoring position. What could Oregon’s point total have been if Holden played a full 60 minutes?

Make no mistake, the offense was just fine without him. Dillon Gabriel threw for 341 yards in what was easily his best game of the season. But on drives where points were left off the board, what difference could Holden have made?

Imagine the comfort Duck fans could have felt at the end without the missed 44-yard field goal attempt, botched extra point and a failed two-point conversion that left precious points off the board. A questionable 4th-and-goal conversion attempt from the 2-yard line could have been another field goal. Assuming Oregon kicks a second extra point instead of the two-point attempt, that’s eight points. 

That’s now a 41-25 win that Oregon easily could have had on Saturday over the No. 2 Buckeyes. 

“There’s been a lot of growth, but I’d say we’re not done,” Lanning said. “There’s a lot more to do and I think everybody in that locker room feels the same way.”

Everything is still on the table for this Oregon team. The Ducks have demonstrated an ability to win games even when they don’t play their best. But imagine what this team can be when it’s 100% dialed in. Imagine the glory it can bring Eugene. Imagine. Soon, you may not have to any longer.

The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) are in town for the biggest game Autzen Stadium has ever seen! The No. 3 Oregon Ducks (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) are hunting a statement win in their inaugural Big Ten season. Can they find one against the undefeated Buckeyes? Follow along to find out with live updates presented by The Duck Store

FINAL: No. 2 Ohio State: 31, THE No. 3 Oregon Ducks: 32

What. A. Finish. Oregon kicked a go-ahead, 18-yard field goal with a minute and change left and teh defense made a stand. An offensive pass interference penalty backed up a Buckeyes’ drive that was looking destined to score. Will Howard slid without any time remaining and Autzen Stadium could celebrate an incredible win. Thank you for following along today!

Editor’s note: I am headed down to the field. I will update will final scores when I regain connection. Thank you for following along!

(Q4 – 7:50) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 29 – False start.

(Q4 – 8:01) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 29 – Another 1st down to the 20-yard line. The Ducks can’t stop this offense when they need to.

(Q4 – 8:46) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 29 – Another 1st down. Oregon defense is getting worked on this drive.

(Q4 – 9:51) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 29 – False start. 1st-and-15 from the 48-yard line.

(Q4 – 10:16) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 29 – Will Howard hits a wide-open Jeremiah Smith for a 1st down across midfield.

(Q4 – 11:11) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 29 – HUGE 3rd-and-7 coming up here.

(Q4 – 11:40) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 29 – OSU picks up a 1st down to the 36-yard line.

(Q4 – 13:20) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 29 – Touchback. OSU starts from the 25-yard line.

(Q4 – 13:20) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 29 – Dillon Gabriel fakes a handoff and takes off for an Oregon TOUCHDOWN run. The extra point is GOOD and the Ducks are ahead of the Buckeyes again.

(Q4 – 14:40) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 – Jordan James opens the quarter with a run down to the OSU 35-yard line.

(Q3- 0:00) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 – END OF Q3

(Q3- 0:00) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 – Tez Johnson closes out the quarter with a 9-yard reception.

(Q3- 0:11) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 – Will Howard fumbles the snap on 3rd-and-3. He jumps on it, but the Buckeyes are forced to punt. Oregon gets the ball on its own 40-yard line.

(Q3- 2:59) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 – Ohio State quickly gets off its own doorstep and picks up a 1st down. Oregon’s defense has no answers for OSU in the second half.

(Q3- 3:37) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 –  Dillon Gabriel fails to see a wide-open Tez Johnson. Oregon comes away with nothing after a great drive. Questionable decision-making costs the Ducks dearly in the redzone.

(Q3- 3:27) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 – Oregon is going for it on 4th-and-goal from the 2-yard line.

(Q3- 4:06) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 – James runs it down to the 2-yard line. 3rd-and-goal.

(Q3- 4:49) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 – Jordan James rushes down to the 9-yard line. 1st-and-goal.

(Q3- 5:47) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 – Terrance Ferguson picks up a 32-yard gain on 4th-and-1 Oregon is down to the OSU 20-yard line.

(Q3- 6:54) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 – Oregon gets stuffed. 4th-and-1.

(Q3- 7:16) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 – Offsetting fouls. We will replay the down. Oregon would have had a 1st down.

(Q3- 7:27) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 – Justice Flowe makes a catch and breaks a tackle to bring up 3rd-and-1.

(Q3- 8:06) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 – Tez Johnson moves the chains with a reception. Oregon follows it up with an illegible man penalty. Declined. 2nd-and-10 from the 39-yard line.

(Q3- 8:51) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 – Oregon faces a quick 3rd-and-5.

(Q3- 9:27) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 – Touchback. Oregon starts on its own 25-yard line.

(Q3- 9:27) Ohio State: 28, Oregon: 22 – Will Howard hits Jeremiah Smith for another Ohio State TOUCHDOWN. The extra point is GOOD. Ohio State’s offense walked all over the Ducks on that drive. That was the type of possession that can change the momentum of a game.

(Q3- 10:28) Ohio State: 21, Oregon: 22 – Will Howard finds a wide-open Gee Scott Jr. down to the Ducks’ 10-yard line.

(Q3- 11:35) Ohio State: 21, Oregon: 22 – Ohio State picks up a quick 1st down. A great catch from Jeremiah Smith has the Buckeyes across midfield.

(Q3- 12:35) Ohio State: 21, Oregon: 22 – Gabriel escapes for a gain of a yard on 3rd-and-8. The Ducks punt away their opening drive, just like they did in the first half. Ohio State starts on its own 21-yard line.

(Q3- 14:00) Ohio State: 21, Oregon: 22 – Dillon Gabriel finds a wide-open Evan Stewart for a 1st down out to the 42-yard line.

(Q3- 14:32) Ohio State: 21, Oregon: 22 – An incompletion follows. Early 3rd-and-10.

(Q3- 14:50) Ohio State: 21, Oregon: 22 – Nothing for James on the half’s opening run.

(Q3- 15:00) Ohio State: 21, Oregon: 22 – Touchback. Oregon starts on its own 25-yard line.

(Q2- 0:00) Ohio State: 21, Oregon: 22 – Ohio State kneels out the half.

(Q2- 0:12) Ohio State: 21, Oregon: 22 – Oregon goes 3-and-out.

(Q2- 0:44) Ohio State: 21, Oregon: 22 – Tez Johnson receives the punt at the 30-yard line.

(Q2- 0:49) Ohio State: 21, Oregon: 22 – Oregon forces 4th-and-1. Lanning spends Oregon’s last timeout.

(Q2- 1:17) Ohio State: 21, Oregon: 22 – Dillon Gabriel hits Tez Johnson for a deep, 48-yard TOUCHDOWN pass. Gabriel hit Johnson in stride. The extra point is GOOD. Oregon regains the lead.

(Q2- 2:00) Ohio State: 21, Oregon: 15 – Jordan James picks up another 1st down across midfield. Two-minute timeout.

(Q2- 3:33) Ohio State: 21, Oregon: 15 – Jordan James picks up nine yards to start the drive.

(Q2- 3:53) Ohio State: 21, Oregon: 15 – Will Howard hits an uncovered Emeka Egbuka for a TOUCHDOWN. The extra point is GOOD and the Buckeyes retake the lead.

(Q2- 4:11) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 15 – Judkins hauls in a reception and takes it down to the Ducks’ 15-yard line.

(Q2- 5:09) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 15 – The Buckeyes pick up another 1st down in what has quickly become a very impressive drive.

(Q2- 5:52) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 15 – Oregon uses its second timeout of the half.

(Q2- 6:12) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 15 – Judkins picks up the 1st down at the Ducks’ 48-yard line.

(Q2- 6:45) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 15 – Judkins is met in the backfield. 4th-and-2 now.

(Q2- 7:29) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 15 – The Buckeyes face 3rd-and-1 from the 50-yard line.

(Q2- 8:49) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 15 – Ohio State offensive lineman Josh Simmons just got carted off the field. Back break for OSU.

(Q2- 8:49) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 15 – A big completion across the middle of the field to Gee Scott Jr. picks up the 1st down.

(Q2- 9:29) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 15 – Back-to-back stuffed run plays set up 3rd-and-9 for the Buckeyes.

(Q2- 10:09) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 15 – After the penalty and ejection, Oregon settles for a 26-yard field goal attempt. The kick is GOOD and Oregon has its first lead of the afternoon.

(Q2- 11:31) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 12 – Traeshon Holden just got ejected for spitting on an opponent after his big catch. A brutal break for the Ducks and a selfish play from Holden backs Oregon up to the 25-yard line.

(Q2- 11:35) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 12 – A big pickup from Traeshon Holden on a well-thrown ball across the field sets the Ducks up at the 9-yard line.

(Q2- 12:26) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 12 – The Ducks take their first timeout of the half.

(Q2- 12:26) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 12 – Oregon’s onside-kick attempt is recovered by the Ducks. Oregon gets the ball right back on the OSU 41-yard line with a chance to take a lead.

(Q2- 12:31) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 12 – Dillon Gabriel finds Evan Stewart for an impressive TOUCHDOWN catch. Stewart made a great catch with a defender all over him. Oregon’s two-point conversion attempt is NO GOOD.

(Q2- 13:10) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 6 – Call is confirmed. 1st-and-goal from the 8-yard line coming up.

(Q2- 13:10) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 6 – Dillon Gabriel hits Evan Stewart for a huge, 69-yard completion down to the OSU 8-yard line. The play is under review for spotting. Either way, a giant chunk play from Oregon demonstrates Gabriel’s deep-ball ability, something that had been lacking so far this year.

(Q2- 14:22) Ohio State: 14, Oregon: 6 – Quinshon Judkins rushes forward for an Ohio State TOUCHDOWN. The extra point is GOOD and the Buckeyes extend their lead.

(Q1- 0:00) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 6 – END OF Q1

(Q1- 0:10) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 6 – Ohio State’s Treyvon Henderson breaks off a run down to the 4-yard line. 1st-and-goal for the Buckeyes.

(Q1- 0:43) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 6 – Oregon settles for a 43-yard field goal attempt. Atticus Sappington’s kick is NO GOOD. The Ducks come up empty. Ohio State takes back over on its own 26-yard line with the lead.

(Q1- 0:51) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 6 – An incompletion across the middle stirs up the crowd. Could have been called pass interference.

(Q1- 1:53) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 6 – A huge, 28-yard completion to Evan Stewart puts the Ducks across to the 28-yard line.

(Q1- 2:42) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 6 – After a delay-of-game, the Ducks force a punt. Tez Johnson calls for a fair catch at the Oregon 41-yard line. Oregon has a chance to take a lead.

(Q1- 4:20) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 6 – OSU gets popped for another false start. Autzen is shaking loud. 3rd-and-16 now.

(Q1- 4:20) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 6 – 3rd-and-11 from OSU’s 24-yard line. Big moment early.

(Q1- 5:03) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 6 – OSU gets flagged for a false start. Credit to the Autzen crowd.

(Q1- 5:51) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 6 – Jordan James rushes in for an Oregon TOUCHDOWN. The extra point is NO GOOD. The snap is muffed and turned over. The Ducks take advantage of the fumble on just two plays and are on the board.

(Q1- 6:20) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 0 – Jordan James with a huge run down to the OSU 3-yard line.

(Q1- 6:39) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 0 – The call is confirmed. The game’s first turnover sets the Ducks up in prime scoring range. Oregon needs points on this drive.

(Q1- 6:39) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 0 – Ohio State rushes on 2nd-and-10 and FUMBLES and recovered by Derrick Harmon. Recovered by Oregon at the OSU 28-yard line. The play is under review.

(Q1- 7:10) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 0 –  OSU picks up an immediate 1st down on a 17-yard run to the outside.

(Q1- 7:32) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 0 – Oregon punts. OSU gets the ball back on its own 15-yard line with the lead.

(Q1- 8:54) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 0 – Dillon Gabriel sneaks forward for an Oregon 1st down.

(Q1- 10:00) Ohio State: 7, Oregon: 0 – Will Howard rushes forward for a Buckeyes’ TOUCHDOWN. The extra point is GOOD. Ohio State strikes first on its opening drive, going 75-yards in 10 plays.

(Q1- 10:29) Ohio State: 0, Oregon: 0 – OSU converts another 1st down to the Oregon 1-yard line.

(Q1- 11:25) Ohio State: 0, Oregon: 0 – A deep pass is caught for a long 1st down to the Oregon 21-yard line.

(Q1- 12:09) Ohio State: 0, Oregon: 0 – Howard keeps for a clear 1st down out to the OSU 47-yard line.

(Q1- 12:47) Ohio State: 0, Oregon: 0 – Ohio State comes up just short on 3rd-and-7. Offense stays on for 4th-and-1

(Q1- 13:45) Ohio State: 0, Oregon: 0 – Howard’s first long pass attempt sails over everyone’s heads.

(Q1- 14:04) Ohio State: 0, Oregon: 0 – Ohio State picks up the game’s first 1st down.

(Q1- 14:53) Ohio State: 0, Oregon: 0 – Will Howard’s first pass is deflected, but caught for a short gain.

(Q1- 15:00) Ohio State: 0, Oregon: 0 – Touchback. Ohio State starts from its own 25-yard line.

(Q1- 15:00) Ohio State: 0, Oregon: 0 – Oregon wins the toss and deferrers. Ohio State will start with the ball.

A Friday night win over Michigan State gave Oregon fans a free Saturday to watch the rest of the conference do battle in what was an insane Week 6. Several ranked teams fell to unranked teams while Oregon and Ohio State both look ready for their big clash on Saturday. 

No. 7 Penn State stays unbeaten with 27-11 win over UCLA

Many of the Nittany Lions’ (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) wins this season have been unimpressive. But, in a season with countless upsets, they haven’t fallen yet. Quarterback Drew Allar had a precise day, completing 17 of his 24 pass attempts for 237 yards and a score. Neither team rushed for over 100 yards or turned the ball over, and UCLA (1-4, 0-3 Big Ten) is still looking for its first conference win of the season. 

Minnesota upsets No. 11 USC in 24-17 win

The Golden Gophers (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) earned one of their biggest wins in recent memory as they took down the ranked Trojans (3-2, 1-2 Big Ten) on Saturday night. A back-and-forth affair that didn’t see one team fully pull away was tied with less than a minute to play when Max Brosmer snuck forward for a touchdown on 4th-and-goal. USC’s following drive resulted in an interception and Minnesota pulled off what could be a momentum-shifting win for Brosmer’s squad. 

No. 10 Michigan falls 27-17 to Washington

In a rematch of last year’s National Championship Game, both teams entered with significantly depleted rosters. Still, the Huskies wanted revenge. Washington (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) bookended the scoring in Saturday’s contest, blanking Michigan (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) in the first and fourth quarters. The defending national champions were limited to 287 total yards of offense and turned the ball over twice in the second half, leading to two Huskies’ scores. 

No. 23 Indiana starts 6-0 after 41-24 win over Northwestern

One of the bigger surprises in college football continued on Saturday as Indiana improved to 6-0. The Hoosiers (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) used 380 air yards and a pair of 4th-down conversions to control the Wildcats (2-3, 0-2 Big Ten) from start to finish. Indiana scored in every quarter in a seamless offensive rhythm that’ll need to be intact when Nebraska comes to town after a well-deserved bye week. 

No. 3 Ohio State dominates Iowa in 35-7 win

Yep, the Buckeyes (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) are still legit. Ohio State got off to a slow start offensively, but was never in any danger of losing to Iowa (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten) in another home win. Now, the Buckeyes turn their attention toward the Ducks. 

Wisconsin routs Purdue 52-6 at home

It felt like the Badgers (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten) were about due for a big win. They finally dominated a team from start to finish, collecting 589 yards in a thumping win over Purdue (1-4, 0-2 Big Ten). The Boilermakers were limited to 216 yards and were just 1-11 on 3rd downs. Oregon should take care of business against Purdue in Week 8. 

Nebraska wins low-scoring affair 14-7 over Rutgers

Nebraska (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) pitched a shutout in the second half to hand Rutgers (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) its first loss of the season. Scarlet Knights’ quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis couldn’t find his groove, throwing a pair of interceptions in the loss. The Cornhuskers didn’t look great, but they were good enough to earn a timely conference win.

For a long time, two of college football’s best mascots were separated by conference alignment that we were all sure would last forever. The Duck dominated the Pac-12, standing alone as the best mascot on the West Coast. Brutus Buckeye had to compete in a Big Ten conference with incredible mascots like Michigan State’s Sparty and Iowa’s Herky the Hawk. 

Now, the two iconic mascots call the Big Ten home. While the bulk of the talk of this weekend’s game is focused (rightfully) on the field, some attention must be paid to the sideline, where Brutus and The Duck will go to work in a tense Autzen Stadium environment. 

So, which one is better? To answer that, we take a dive into their pasts. 

The Duck had a long journey to get to where he is today. When the football team started as the Webfoots, a Duck seemed like a fitting mascot. But it wasn’t until the 1950s that “Puddles” — a live white duck — became a common sight at football games. “RoboDuck” became a thing in the early 2000s before The Duck we know and love came to be in 2010. But, make no mistake, his name is not Puddles. The costumed duck will never be “Puddles.” Nothing grinds his gears quite like misnaming him — I’m assuming. 

Boring name? Advantage, Brutus.

Brutus came around in 1965 as Ohio State’s first official mascot. He’s gone through some tweaks and upgrades to get to the iconic nut he is today. If you want to learn more about his inspiration, a buckeye tree can be found outside of the Lillis Business Complex — a gift Oregon State University left after defeating Oregon in the 2015 National Championship. 

Brutus, admittedly, has seen more success in his tenure than The Duck has. Ohio State has won eight national championships and has made the playoffs five times since the four-team playoff began in 2014. 

Playoff experience? Advantage, Brutus.

One of the best segments on ESPN’s College Gameday is Lee Corso’s pick for the featured game. He always puts on the head of the mascot of the team he thinks will win the big game. Corso has admitted to loving The Duck and hates picking against Oregon. Since the show’s inception, Corso has donned The Ducks’ head 21 times, and the Ducks are 14 and 7 in such games. He’s picked against Oregon 10 times, and has only been wrong twice. 

Yet, somehow, Ohio State has hogged a bigger portion of Corso’s heart. He’s worn Brutus’ head 42 times over the years, and OSU has won 28 of those matchups. Remarkably, he’s only picked against the Buckeyes 16 times in the show’s history. 

Corso has picked both The Duck and Brutus over each other once before and the Buckeyes were victorious in both contests. He picked Ohio State to win the 2015 National Championship over Oregon and took the Ducks to beat OSU in 2010. 

So, Corso has a decision to make. Saturday’s pick will be a tiebreaking one: will he take Brutus or The Duck? Can Oregon win a College Gameday appearance over OSU? Only time — and The Daily Emerald — will tell. 

Corso’s picking history? Advantage, Brutus. 

So, who’s the best? By my accounts, all the “advantages” of this piece have gone Brutus’ way. 

But this is The Duck we’re talking about!

One looks friendly, approachable and feathered. One looks like he’s wearing a brown spaceship on his head. Don’t get me wrong, both are great… but nothing beats The Duck.