The Oregon Ducks suffered their first Pac-12 loss of the season in a dramatic fashion, as the Washington Huskies scored the go-ahead touchdown with 98 seconds left to beat the Ducks 36-33 on Saturday at Husky Stadium. The game was a battle of top-10 teams, with the No. 8 Ducks (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) looking to extend their winning streak over the No. 7 Huskies (6-0, 3-0 Pac-12), who joined USC as the two remaining unbeaten teams in Pac-12 play.
Ducks rally from 11-point deficit in the second half
The game was back-and-forth up to halftime, when UW led 22-18 after Oregon was stopped on fourth down at the 3-yard line to end the half. Of the three fourth-down stops by Washington in the game, UO coach Dan Lanning said that was the decision he’d most closely reassess in film review. “This game’s 100 percent on me,” he told reporters Saturday evening. “I don’t think you guys have to look anywhere else but me.”
The Ducks turned it over on downs again inside the 10-yard line after Washington took a 29-18 lead in the third quarter, but Oregon’s defense then made consecutive three-and-outs. Touchdowns by Troy Franklin and Jordan James then pushed the Ducks into the lead with less than a quarter left.
Huskies score late touchdown to seal the win
Three straight run stops inside the 3-yard by Oregon protected a 33-29 lead in the fourth quarter. Oregon took over at the 2-yard line with 6:33 to play and drove to midfield, but an incomplete pass with 2:11 to go gave the ball back to Washington, and the Huskies scored two plays later. “We thought we had the game in our hands,” UO receiver Troy Franklin said. “We just didn’t finish.”
Oregon drove into position for a 43-yard field goal on the final play of regulation, but the kick was no good. The loss Saturday came just less than a year after Washington made a go-ahead field goal with less than a minute to play to win 37-34 in Autzen Stadium.
Nix and Franklin shine for Oregon offense
Bo Nix finished 33-of-44 passing for 337 yards and two touchdowns, and Franklin had eight receptions for 154 yards and a score. Bucky Irving rushed for 127 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, and James added 63 yards with a rushing touchdown. The Ducks had 471 total yards of offense, but were hurt by three turnovers and three failed fourth-down conversions.
Stephens and Dorlus lead Oregon defense
Defensively, Steve Stephens IV led the Ducks with seven tackles, Brandon Dorlus had five tackles with a sack and Jahlil Florence had an interception. Oregon held Washington to season lows of 415 total yards and 316 yards through the air. The Ducks also forced two turnovers and had four sacks.
What’s next for both teams
The Ducks will look to bounce back at home this upcoming Saturday against Washington State, who are coming off a bye week. The Huskies will face another tough test on the road against Stanford, who are also unbeaten in Pac-12 play.
