The Oregon Ducks' offense looked flat against Texas Tech, despite beating the formidable defense 23-0. The defense looked strong, but we all know that to win big games, you need both sides of the ball working, not just one carrying the other. When previewing this rematch against Indiana, it is clear that it could not be truer.
Now, the Ducks' offense has taken another huge blow, just days before the biggest game of the year. Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian reported that star running back Jordon Davison broke his clavicle, putting his playoff future in serious doubt. The true freshman stud has garnered 13 touchdowns this season, proving to be a key weapon in the Ducks' rushing attack. When an offense is looking to bounce back from a poor performance, losing a guy like Davison feels world-ending.
Was just told by a source that Oregon RB Jordon Davison has a broken clavicle. He will VERY LIKELY not play for the rest of the playoffs. #GoDucks
— Aaron J. Fentress (@AaronJFentress) January 6, 2026
That second part is not confirmed but it's difficult to imagine an RB playing with a broken clavicle. However, he did finish the… pic.twitter.com/iT14xetSMD
To add salt to the wound, the Ducks' "next men up" have all entered the transfer portal during this playoff run. Jay Harris and Makhi Hughes have both decided to leave the Oregon program earlier. Jayden Limar announced his intent to enter the portal on the same day the Davison injury was reported. The run game was key in keeping the Ducks' first matchup against the Hoosiers close, so Noah Whittington and Dierre Hill Jr. will have to step up their games. However, it will be extremely difficult to replace Davison's sure production.
Ducks need a heroic performance from Dante Moore
This leaves the weight of the Ducks' championship aspirations on Dante Moore. If the run game falters and can't support Moore enough, he is going to have to grow up fast and stay poised. NFL Draft gurus are already discussing whether Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore will be taken first in the 2026 Draft. We have seen Moore come up big in tight spots before, like the Penn State and Iowa games. But, like the Orange Bowl, there are games where he hasn't stepped up the way we hoped.
If Moore decides to go pro, this game could be the deciding factor. Mendoza outlasted Moore in round one, but if Moore can put on a heroic performance and lead the Ducks past Indiana, despite the injuries and losses, that will be the win everyone remembers.