A strong start by the Stanford defense proved insufficient to contain Bo Nix and the now 5-0 Ducks’ explosive offense on Saturday.
Stanford initially controlled the ball, testing the Oregon defense and securing a 6-0 lead with two field goals from Joshua Karty. However, from that point forward, Oregon dominated. The Cardinal only gained six yards in the first quarter and failed to achieve a first down for nearly 20 minutes at the start of the game. The Ducks responded with two touchdown runs, courtesy of Jordan James and Bucky Irving, respectively. The first half concluded at 14-6 after a missed field goal from UO kicker Camden Lewis on the final play.
Photo Cred: University of Oregon Athletics (#20 James)
QB Bo Nix then took control of the game in the third quarter, throwing touchdown passes on two consecutive drives to begin the half and adding two more to conclude a potent offensive performance. Nix completed 27 of 32 passes for 290 yards and rushed for an additional 18 yards. Speaking about the Ducks’ slow start, Nix told reporters, “We just had to get settled in and find those things that work against what they were doing. Once that happened, we put up a lot of stuff.”
WR Troy Franklin continued his impressive performance, building on an outstanding outing last week against Colorado. He was targeted seven times and secured seven receptions for 117 yards. He also scored two touchdowns, including a 46-yard reception, which marked the longest play of the game.
The Ducks’ defense also excelled, limiting Stanford to six points from field goals and preventing them from reaching the end zone throughout the game. The Oregon defense recorded a total of five sacks on both of Stanford’s QBs.
Photo Cred: Ducks Wire (Stanford #14 Daniels)
Stanford quarterback Justin Lamson completed 11 of his 20 passes for 106 yards and rushed for 32 yards more. Backup Ashton Daniels briefly entered the game, completing three of four passes for 27 yards before leaving the field.
Stanford coach Troy Taylor summarized his team’s defeat, stating, “We didn’t put enough drives together in the second half. You’re playing with fire when you allow a team that is that talented to get as many opportunities.”
After this loss, Stanford’s record falls to 1-4, and they are set to face Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes on October 13. Meanwhile, the ninth-ranked 5-0 Oregon Ducks will take on the University of Washington in Seattle on October 14.
Photo Cred: Yardbarker (Stanford #8 Lamson)
