EUGENE, Ore. — All eyes are on the Oregon football team now, as they have the opportunity next week to achieve two momentous goals in the 2023 season.
No. 6 Oregon has advanced to the Pac-12 Championship following a dominating 31-7 victory over No. 16 Oregon State, in front of the fourth-largest crowd in Autzen Stadium history, 59,987 fans. This marks the fourth time in school history that the Ducks (11-1, 8-1 Pac-12) have completed an 11-win regular season. They will compete for the conference title next Friday in Las Vegas against Washington, the only team to have defeated them this season.
Friday’s win not only keeps the UO football team in the running for a Pac-12 title but also strengthens their position in the College Football Playoff race. Senior quarterback Bo Nix furthered his case for the Heisman Trophy by putting up impressive numbers, going 33-of-40 for 367 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to a rushing touchdown, contributing to Oregon’s sixth straight win.
“We’ve maintained throughout the season that we want to be playing our best football at the end of the season,” noted UO coach Dan Lanning. “We are right now.”
Seeking redemption for their loss to Oregon State the previous year, Oregon conceded only one touchdown, just before halftime. This brought the UO lead to 14-7 with 54 seconds left in the half, but the Ducks responded with a brilliant pass from Nix to Troy Franklin. Franklin’s successful catch marked his UO-record 25th career receiving touchdown, scored with 8 seconds left before the half.
Franklin had nine receptions for 128 yards and a score, and Tez Johnson added 11 receptions for 137 yards. Bucky Irving caught the other touchdown pass from Nix, and Jordan James rushed for a touchdown, extending the lead to 31-7 early in the fourth quarter.
“Obviously, anybody watching us would say we’ve got some really special players on our team, including our quarterback,” said Lanning. “He was dialed tonight, he was on point.”
Evan Williams led the UO defense with six tackles, as they contained Oregon State’s strong rushing attack to just 53 yards on 24 carries. The Ducks had one sack, thanks to freshman edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei, facing his brother, OSU quarterback DJ Uiagalelei.
The Beavers threatened to score after James extended the lead to 31-7 in the fourth quarter, but Dontae Manning — who started in place of Jahlil Florence — intercepted a pass in the end zone.
“I told Jahlil maybe two or three days ago that this game was gonna be for him,” said Manning. “He wasn’t going to be able to be out there with us. I told him it’s gonna be for him. Just being able to play for my brothers, that’s all I wanted.”
Before the game, the senior class, including tight end Spencer Webb, who passed away in July 2022, was honored. The Ducks began the night with a methodical opening drive, culminating in Nix throwing a touchdown pass to Irving. After the UO defense turned the Beavers over on downs near midfield, Nix completed four of five passes on the ensuing drive, then rushed 16 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-0.
Oregon’s defense followed with a three-and-out. Although the Ducks missed a field goal and OSU then scored a touchdown, Nix’s outstanding 41-yard, no-look touchdown pass to Franklin created a significant lead. Subsequently, a field goal by Camden Lewis and a rushing touchdown by James further solidified Oregon’s victory.
No. 6 Oregon has advanced to the Pac-12 Championship following a dominating 31-7 victory over No. 16 Oregon State, in front of the fourth-largest crowd in Autzen Stadium history, 59,987 fans. This marks the fourth time in school history that the Ducks (11-1, 8-1 Pac-12) have completed an 11-win regular season. They will compete for the conference title next Friday in Las Vegas against Washington, the only team to have defeated them this season.
Friday’s win not only keeps the UO football team in the running for a Pac-12 title but also strengthens their position in the College Football Playoff race. Senior quarterback Bo Nix furthered his case for the Heisman Trophy by putting up impressive numbers, going 33-of-40 for 367 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to a rushing touchdown, contributing to Oregon’s sixth straight win.
“We’ve maintained throughout the season that we want to be playing our best football at the end of the season,” noted UO coach Dan Lanning. “We are right now.”
Seeking redemption for their loss to Oregon State the previous year, Oregon conceded only one touchdown, just before halftime. This brought the UO lead to 14-7 with 54 seconds left in the half, but the Ducks responded with a brilliant pass from Nix to Troy Franklin. Franklin’s successful catch marked his UO-record 25th career receiving touchdown, scored with 8 seconds left before the half.
Franklin had nine receptions for 128 yards and a score, and Tez Johnson added 11 receptions for 137 yards. Bucky Irving caught the other touchdown pass from Nix, and Jordan James rushed for a touchdown, extending the lead to 31-7 early in the fourth quarter.
“Obviously, anybody watching us would say we’ve got some really special players on our team, including our quarterback,” said Lanning. “He was dialed tonight, he was on point.”
Evan Williams led the UO defense with six tackles, as they contained Oregon State’s strong rushing attack to just 53 yards on 24 carries. The Ducks had one sack, thanks to freshman edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei, facing his brother, OSU quarterback DJ Uiagalelei.
The Beavers threatened to score after James extended the lead to 31-7 in the fourth quarter, but Dontae Manning — who started in place of Jahlil Florence — intercepted a pass in the end zone.
“I told Jahlil maybe two or three days ago that this game was gonna be for him,” said Manning. “He wasn’t going to be able to be out there with us. I told him it’s gonna be for him. Just being able to play for my brothers, that’s all I wanted.”
Before the game, the senior class, including tight end Spencer Webb, who passed away in July 2022, was honored. The Ducks began the night with a methodical opening drive, culminating in Nix throwing a touchdown pass to Irving. After the UO defense turned the Beavers over on downs near midfield, Nix completed four of five passes on the ensuing drive, then rushed 16 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-0.
Oregon’s defense followed with a three-and-out. Although the Ducks missed a field goal and OSU then scored a touchdown, Nix’s outstanding 41-yard, no-look touchdown pass to Franklin created a significant lead. Subsequently, a field goal by Camden Lewis and a rushing touchdown by James further solidified Oregon’s victory.
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