Oregon Football: Despite Offensive Struggles, Ducks Top San Jose State
The Oregon Ducks struggled on Offense at times, but the Ducks Defense came through in key moments as Oregon topped San Jose State 35-22
Oregon Football played their third game of the season against San Jose State. The Spartans entered the game with the 110th ranked Offense in the country where the Ducks have put up an average of 60 points per game this season. Oregon received the opening kickoff.
Tony Brooks-James hit 100-yards on the ground last weekend against Portland State and started the game against San Jose State with a 41-yard kickoff return. Oregon would punt on their first possession, but their second possession started deep in San Jose State territory after an interception by Jevon Holland.
Three plays later Cyrus Habibi-Likio ran in for the Oregon Touchdown giving the Ducks a 7-0 lead. With 8:55 remaining in the first quarter, San Jose State led the game in total yards(34-30) over Oregon Football. The Ducks took over on their next possession at the 20-yard line.
Oregon took three plays as Justin Herbert threw the ball to Jacob Breeland. It was a 66-yard pass play and Breeland ran it in from about the 30-yard line to make it 14-0 Oregon over San Jose State. Oregon’s Offense was stalled by a San Jose State Defense that was playing at a different level. They were able to get into the backfield on two different plays for tackles for loss and kept Quarterback Justin Herbert in check forcing a punt.
San Jose State found points by way of a field goal with 10:56 left in the second quarter. It was a 7 play, 27 yard drive. Bryce Crawford kicked it 31-yards for a field goal making it 14-3 Ducks.
On the next Offensive series for Oregon Football, Ugi Amadi had a 31-yard kickoff return to help spark the Oregon Offense, but it was for naught. The Ducks struggled and San Jose State again covered Wide Receivers well. Oregon tried a 31-yard Field Goal Attempt that was blocked and the score remained the same.
Oregon had an opportunity to add to their lead with just under a minute remaining. Justin Herbert took the team to the 6-yard line before the ball was tipped and picked off in the endzone before time expired. Halftime score was 21-6 with adjustments to be made at Halftime.
It was clear the San Jose State Defense came to play with nothing to lose and the Spartans would see the ball first in the second half.
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After San Jose State opened the second half with a punt, Oregon Football again saw excellent field position after an Ugo Amadi return to the San Jose State 20 yard line. Six plays later Cyrus Habibi-Likio saw his second touchdown on the day giving Oregon a 28-7 lead on San Jose State.
San Jose State started at their own 25, but did not have the ball long on their next possession. Justin Hollins intercepted the ball giving the ball back to the Ducks who were again unable to do much on Offense. The Ducks went for it on 4th and 6 and turned the ball over on downs.
On the ensuing drive, the Spartans found the end zone, but tried for the two-point conversion, missing it. Quarterback Josh Love threw to Wide Receiver Josh Oliver in the right corner of the end zone for the score. Ducks led 28-12 with 5 minutes left in the 3rd Quarter.
CJ Verdell led the way for the game through three quarters with 76 yards through the air and 26 yards on the ground on a stingy San Jose State Defensive front. Through three quarters they held Oregon Football to just 76 yards on the ground. Oregon finished off their next drive with a touchdown. Justin Herbert found Johnny Johnson III on the left side with a pass through the hands of the defender for the score. Oregon led 35-12 with 14:49 left in the game.
On the Defensive End, Justin Hollins had a pass break-up and an interception on the afternoon. In the end, despite the lack of Offensive focus, the Ducks found a way to fight the adversity and get the job done. They can’t do this next weekend with a disciplined and well-prepared Stanford Cardinal team coming to Autzen Stadium. Practice will likely be a little more difficult this week.
Oregon and Stanford kickoff in a Top 20 Matchup next weekend at 5 pm Saturday on ABC.