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Oregon Ducks Lose Royce Freeman To Injury, Drop Game To Nebraska

By Justin Phillips

Sep 17, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dakota Prukop (9) hands off to running back Tony Brook-James (20) during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dakota Prukop (9) hands off to running back Tony Brook-James (20) during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oregon Offense lost two key players in the game, but the Defense gave up too many big plays in the 35-32 loss to Nebraska on Saturday.

There is nothing Mike Riley would have probably enjoyed more was to look at the Calender on September 17th and see a team other than the Oregon Ducks. Oregon has beaten Riley time and time again when he was with Oregon State and the Ducks have beaten him eight straight times.

Mike Riley is now Head Coach for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and he sees the field as more evenly matched entering the game with Oregon. Nebraska is not ranked, and the Ducks have something to prove, specifically on Defense. It is a big test for both teams after rather easy competition the first two weeks of the season.

Before the game Head Coach Mark Helfrich and Kicker Matt Wogan paid tribute to Nick Foltz by placing flowers on the 27 yard marker of the Nebraska Sideline to the cheers of the Cornhuskers Student section. It was a moment of class from the Oregon Ducks.

The game would see Oregon start with the ball. Dakota Prukop would find Charles Nelson several times on the first drive, but it was a 3 and out on the first drive for the Ducks. The second drive ended in the first score of the game after a Defensive Stand against Nebraska.

Sep 17, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers kick returner De
Sep 17, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers kick returner De /

Oregon would start the second half with a three and out after the Offensive Line broke down forcing a short gain from Quarterback Dakota Prukop. Offensive Lineman Tyrell Crosby left the game and was seen with a boot on his foot, leaving Freshman Brady Aiello and three other inexperienced players on the O-Line for the Ducks.

Dakota Prukop showed what he was all about to start the 4th Quarter. Oregon marched down the field for 96 yarda after starting at their own 4 yard line. The Oregon Quarterback used his legs for a first down and watched Kani Benoit make a big cut down the sideline for a gain into the redzone before an across the middle pass to Darren Carrington at the two yard line.

The touchdown came from Tony Brooks James his third score of the day giving Oregon a four point lead until Tommy Armstrong ran for 32 yards with under 3 minutes remaining giving the Cornhuskers a 35-32 lead.

The ball would land in the hands of the Oregon Offense on a 4th and 18 to extend the game and Prukop could not find anyone open. He ran for five yards giving the ball back to Nebraska and sealing the win for Nebraska.

Oregon comes home at 2-1 and will regroup to take on Colorado next Saturday(2:30pm Pacific Time, Pac-12 Networks)

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