After two underwhelming performances, the No. 1 Oregon Ducks knew they needed a statement win to reassert their dominance, and that’s exactly what they delivered against their Pacific Northwest rivals, the Washington Huskies. Coming into the game, Oregon had suffered three consecutive losses to Washington in recent years, and with their undefeated record on the line, they made quick work of the Huskies, showing the country why they remain the only unbeaten team in college football.
Photo Cred: Oregon Live
For Washington, the bright spot in an otherwise tough outing came from freshman quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who was making his first NCAA start. Williams had an impressive individual performance, finishing the game with 201 passing yards on an excellent 17-of-20 completion rate. He also threw for one touchdown, demonstrating his ability to handle the pressure of starting against the nation’s top-ranked team.
Several of Williams’ throws were particularly impressive, as he showcased his mobility by throwing on the run while Oregon defenders were closing in fast. Despite his strong individual performance, the Washington offensive line was unable to provide him with much protection, and the result was a relentless barrage of sacks that ultimately doomed their chances. The lack of protection forced Williams to make difficult plays under constant pressure, and the Oregon defense took full advantage of that vulnerability.
Photo Cred: SI
Speaking of Oregon’s defense, they were the true story of the night. While Washington did manage to score three touchdowns, the Ducks’ defensive performance was much more dominant than the final score suggested. The standout player for Oregon in the first half was Bryce Boettcher, a multi-sport athlete and a hometown hero who was all over the ball. Boettcher had four tackles, a sack, and forced a fumble, playing a crucial role in shutting down Washington’s offense.
Oregon’s defensive line was equally disruptive, with standout defensive end Jordan Burch getting in on the action with 2.5 sacks. By the time the game ended, Oregon had sacked Williams a record-setting 10 times, a school record for sacks in a single game, further showcasing their defensive prowess. The Ducks’ defensive unit, often overshadowed by their high-powered offense, proved that they can take over a game when necessary.
On the offensive side, Oregon was once again led by Heisman hopeful Dillon Gabriel, who had another solid performance. Gabriel passed for 209 yards on 16-of-23 passing and threw for two touchdowns while also rushing for another. His consistent play has been a major factor in Oregon’s success this season, and he showed no signs of slowing down. With the Big Ten championship game looming, head coach Dan Lanning made the decision to sit Gabriel early in the fourth quarter to avoid any potential injuries.
Photo Cred: SI
In his place, redshirt sophomore Dante Moore took the reins for the remainder of the game, giving Oregon the chance to rest their star QB for the upcoming high-stakes matchup. Oregon’s offense also saw history being made as senior tight end Terrence Ferguson caught his 125th career pass, surpassing Ed Dickson to become the all-time leader in receptions by a tight end at Oregon. Ferguson didn’t stop there, also tying the school record for career touchdown receptions. It was a fitting achievement for the senior, whose steady contributions have been a key part of Oregon’s success over the years.
Looking ahead, the No. 1 Oregon Ducks will now turn their focus to the Big Ten Championship, where they will face off against the Penn State Nittany Lions on December 7th. Oregon will be looking to cap off a dominant season and add another conference title to their storied history. As for Washington, despite the tough loss, they remain bowl eligible and will be waiting to learn their postseason destination. Though their rivalry with Oregon didn’t end in victory, the Huskies can still take pride in their strong individual performances and look ahead to building on their progress for the next season.
