UPDATE: Oregon Ducks secured a hard-fought 21-7 victory against Wisconsin in a rain-drenched showdown at Autzen Stadium, with 58,940 fans witnessing an intensely gritty contest. The Ducks’ win, marked by sloppy play on both sides, improves their record to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the Big Ten.
Conditions were brutal as the game unfolded, with heavy rain impacting both teams’ performances. Despite a hefty 31.5-point spread favoring the Ducks, the matchup turned out to be much closer than anticipated. Oregon’s head coach, Dan Lanning, anticipated a possession-style game, and that’s precisely what unfolded, with defensive strategies on both sides dominating early play.
The Ducks struggled initially, managing just 21 yards in the first quarter. However, a pivotal 16-play, 99-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter shifted momentum, taking a whopping 8:24 off the clock. “We used the clock well today,” Lanning stated. “We played the brand of football that was necessary to win this game.”
Oregon’s offense eventually found its rhythm, accumulating 164 of their 203 rushing yards in the second half. Running back Jordon Davison stepped up in a big way, rushing for 102 yards and two touchdowns. “We get to go break their spirits going 99 yards,” he remarked, highlighting the team’s resilience during challenging conditions.
In a concerning moment, quarterback Dante Moore left the game after taking a hit to the face, allowing walk-on Brock Thomas to take the helm. Thomas led two touchdown drives, expressing his confidence: “It was really cool to be out there with all the guys. They put their trust in me.”
On defense, Oregon limited Wisconsin to just 196 total yards, including a mere 86 passing yards, marking their second consecutive game allowing under 100 passing yards, a feat not seen since 1984. Linebacker Bryce Boettcher expressed frustration over allowing a touchdown, stating, “We prepare to not give up any points and sometimes the offense does because they’re good too.”
Despite the game’s sloppy nature, Oregon maintained a clean turnover record, narrowly avoiding mistakes that could have shifted the outcome. They faced challenges with a failed onside kick and a negated touchdown from a fake punt due to a penalty, but ultimately emerged victorious.
As fans braved the elements, many chose to leave early, but the Ducks’ victory signifies important momentum as they move forward in the season. This match against Wisconsin, marked by physicality and determination, might signal a new style of competition for both teams in the upcoming weeks.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Ducks prepare for their next challenge, looking to build on this gritty win amid changing weather conditions and team dynamics.
