Oregon football proves it has elite run game vs. Washington State

Oregon football picked up where it left off last weekend on the road against Washington. On the first Washington State offensive series of the game, quarterback Jayden de Laura had an explosive play downfield to the Oregon 7-yard-line. On the next play, he fumbled at the 2-yard-line and the ball went out of the endzone, and to Oregon at the 20-yard line.

Oregon would use Anthony Brown and his legs to get down the field on their second possession. Travis Dye would score the first touchdown of the game for Oregon making it 7-0. On the next drive for Washington State, de Laura threw an interception on the first play to Verone McKinley III.

The Ducks made quick work of the mistake needing three plays as Travis Dye caught the pass from Anthony Brown for an 11-yard score to put Oregon up 14-0.

Penalties played a part in the next Washington State drive as they started with the ball on their three-yard line. They were shut down on the first two plays, on the third play, Deon McIntosh picked up a first down going 23 yards. The drive came to an end with a punt.

Oregon also had a three and out on their next possession.

Washington State would start on their own 11-yard line and ultimately punt the ball. The Cougars starting field position for the game has been kept in check. Their previous drive started at their own three-yard line. Oregon special teams had been big in the first half.

On the next drive, the second play saw Oregon fumble the ball that was recovered by Washington State on the 46-yard line. Washington State would score following a six-play drive to make it 14-7 Ducks.

With 5:46 left in the second quarter, both teams had 160 yards in total offense.

Washington State tied the game with 11 seconds left as Quarterback Jayden de Laura took it in from two yards out to make it 14-14 going into the half. The Cougars’ quarterback threw for 199 yards in the first half.

Mykael Wright opened the second half with a 64-yard kickoff return to the Washington State 35 taking back momentum. Four plays later, Anthony Brown ran the ball in and hit the pylon with the ball while his body was out of bounds. It was ruled a touchdown as the Ducks took a seven-point lead at 21-14.

Oregon would add to their lead on their next offensive drive as Anthony Brown used his legs for several first downs and threw a 31-yard pass to Johnny Johnson III before a handoff to Travis Dye getting the ball to the Washington State 10-yard-line. After a penalty, the Ducks got the ball to the 4-yard-line. Camden Lewis came in for the chip shot field goal to give Oregon a 10-point lead at 24-14.

On the Ducks’ next drive, it was a clock killer. An over 10-play drive that saw more run than pass plays. Anthony Brown had a first and goal and fumbled the ball heading into the end zone. The ball was recovered by Washington State who ran it to the 50-yard-line.

Washington State was able to get to the Oregon 11 yard line but was held out of the endzone. The Cougar hit a 34-yard field goal to get closer at 24-17 with just over eight minutes remaining.

Oregon was able to find some momentum on the next drive. Byron Cardwell ended the drive with a 27-yard touchdown run up the middle to help Oregon pull away with a 31-17 lead. The Ducks would get an interception on the next Washington State drive with just under four minutes remaining.

Byron Cardwell added another touchdown to make the score 38-17 Oregon.

Washington State added some style points before time expired scoring a touchdown with nine seconds left to make it 38-24.

The Ducks won the game in the end and did it with a two-running back system with both Anthony Brown along with running backs Travis Dye or Byron Cardwell. Brown was successful through the air, but the Ducks ground game eclipsed 300 yards for the game.

Oregon will travel to Utah next week (game time to be decided) to face the Utes. They finish out the regular season at home the following week hosting Oregon State (game time to be decided).