Oregon went on the road for the first time, putting away a game Northwestern squad to run their record to 3-0 and 1-0 in the Big Ten.
It wasn't the spectacular blowout they achieved in the first two weeks but two interceptions on defense and a handful of big plays added up to a 34-14 victory.
Playing in his first fourth quarter of the season, Dante Moore, threw a long pass over the middle, underthrown at the goal line and intercepted, his first of the year against seven touchdowns.
The Ducks defense responded with stop on fourth and one for a turnover on downs, stuffed by Boettcher and Peyton Woodyard.
Luke Moga came in at quarterback,, connected on one pass for five yards but missed on third down. Atticus Sappington hit a 27-yard field goal, 34-0.
The Ducks brought fresh jerseys into the game at the 11:00 minute mark, Na'eem Offord, Elijah Rushing, Will Stratton. Northwestern put together a drive down to the 10, a 40-yard pass to Drew Wagner. Jerry Mixon threw a run play for a loss, then stopped a screen pass at the 1-yard line.
Komolafe plunged over on fourth and goal. The commitment to developing their depth cost the Ducks a shutout, but it put more reps on tape for the Oregon reserves, 34-7
Brock Thomas took over at quarterback and came out throwing in Oregon's last possession, completing a pass for 11 yards while Dierre Hill scampered for a 13 yard run.
The bloom went completely off the rose when freshman Dashun Reed darted through a crease off the left side for a 79-yard touchdown, cutting the Oregon lead to 34-14 with 1:48 to play.
79-YD TD FOR DASHUN REEDER AGAINST THE NO. 4 DUCKS 🤯 @NUFBFamily
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 13, 2025
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/x0WLMGBffq
Northwestern ran for 178 yards for the game, 4.8 yards a carry. Even earlier in the game they were able to chew up yards on the ground, and only two sacks and two tackles for loss made that number look more respectable.
Dan Lannijng told sideline reporter Jenny Taft, "We've got to be able to win the fourth quarter. We've got some stuff that we can learn from."
The coach seemed muted, much like Oregon's approach during the whole game: Busnesslike, effective, but not awe-inspiring. With one-sided wins around college football, they might slip a little in the polls, and this will quiet some of the national hype around the team.
The win was workmanlike rather than awe-inspiring, though the outcome was never in doubt.