Oregon Outlasts Washington In A Thrilling Pac-12 Shootout

When many people on the western side of the United States complain about the “East Coast bias” of college football, those folks on the eastern side of the country will counter the aforementioned criticisms by levelling the accusation that conferences like the Pac-12 don’t get the same level of recognition and respect because of their high-scoring, “defense is optional”-style of play.

That’s why it’s rather ironic that, in a high-flying game between the University of Oregon and University of Washington, as the two teams spent the entire afternoon slugging each other, the Ducks’ 35-31 win over the Huskins ultimately came as the result of a critical defensive stand late in the game, to preserve their lead and the win.

After the Ducks scored the go-ahead touchdown to give them the 35-31 lead with just over five minutes remaining in the game, Washington – whom the Ducks had forced into three-and-outs in the two most recent drives, after the Huskins were able to move the ball seemingly at will all afternoon – began marching down the field for what looked to be the game-winning score. But Oregon’s defense would come up with a huge sequence of plays to end any such aspirations.

The Huskies got to Oregon’s 42-yard line, with momentum appearing to be on their side. But on 2nd and 6, Washington quarterback Jacob Eason was sacked by Oregon defensive tackle Popo Aumavae, causing the Huskies to lose 12 yards on the play. A subsequent penalty would then put Washington in a 2nd and 23 situation. While they got 20 yards of it back on a third down, Eason’s pass to Puka Nacua on 4th and 3 would fall short, sealing the win for Washington.

After the Ducks finished a 12-play, 89-yard drive with a pass from quarterback Justin Herbert to Spencer Webb for a 12-yard touchdown on the game’s opening possession, Oregon’s offense would go cold, punting the ball on their next four drives (none of which went for more than five plays). But the Ducks managed to get another touchdown on the board just before the half (thanks to Herbert connecting with Jaylon Redd for a 16-yard score), tying the game at 14-14 heading into intermission.

In the second half, Oregon and Washington each scored points on their first two drives of the half, before each respective defense started rising to the occasion as the clock began to wind down.

Both teams enjoyed a marvelous level of quarterback play – including Oregon, who watched Herbert throw for 280 yards and four touchdown passes during the game. It was the fifth time in seven games this season that Herbert threw for at least 250 yards and multiple touchdown passes.

The Ducks will welcome the Washington State Cougars to Autzen Stadium next Saturday. Washington has a 4-3 record, though they’re currently 5th in the Pac-12 North, with a 1-3 conference record. They lose three straight games to start off conference play, but defeated the University of Colorado by a 41-10 score this past Saturday. In what should be no surprise for a team coached by Mike Leach, Cougars’ quarterback Anthony Gordon leads the nation with 2,981 passing yards this season.

Kickoff is currently scheduled for 7:30pm Pacific Time.