Five Oregon heroes lead the way to 11-1 finish, rivalry win

It was a game of plays and persistence, a game where role players stepped up and created iconic moments.

When Washington closed to within 19-14 in the fourth quarter on a 13-yard pass to Denzel Boston on a crossing route in the right corner of the end zone, it felt like it was slipping away.

The creeping dread grew more real after a dropped pass by Kenyon Sadiq (he had two uncharacteristic drops in the game, one open for a big play down the left sideline in the first half) and a stuffed running play. It seemed the Ducks were in real danger of dropping a heartbreaker in Seattle.

On 3rd and 8, pressure coming, the line gave Dante Moore time to throw. He hit Malik Benson in stride on a slant route, Benson caught it, broke a tackle and streaked 64 yards for a touchdown and a 26-14 lead.

Benson became the first Oregon receiver to go over 100 yards in a game this season, five catches for 102 yards. Just a week ago against USC he caught four for 67 capped by a 30-yard pass and returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown.

Brandon Finney stopped Denzel Boston short of the sticks for a turnover on downs. The Ducks chewed clock with eight straight running plays, then on 4th and 1 on the 4 they went for it but an inside zone play was stuffed, a bad exchange that was nearly fumbled.

Playing centerfield, Dillon Thieneman ended the last threat with an interception, his second game-ending pick after one against Penn State.

Ending the Oregon kicker curse forever, Atticus Sappington hit field goals of 46, 32, 37 and 51 yards without a miss, three weeks after his game-winning kick at Iowa on the next-to-last play of the game.

Jamari Johnson grabbed three passes for 60 yards, including plays of 31 and 18 yards. Jeremiah McClellan got loose for three catches that covered 78 yards, one that covered 26. His most sensational play was a 31-yard catch on 3rd and 6, a ball he caught one-handed as the defender was holding on to both hands. He appeared to cradle it securely against his helmet but it was called incomplete and upheld upon review, either way, a sensational effort.

In the first half Jadon Canaday's interception in the end zone ended a Washington scoring threat.

With Ohio State's win today over Michigan the Ducks don't have to make an appearance at the Big Ten Championship Game. They finish the 2025 regular season 11-1 and will host a home playoff game in Autzen Stadium the weekend of December 20 with three precious weeks to heal and perhaps get back a receiver or two.

In another big game, Dante Moore shines under pressure

The last hero of the game had to be quarterback Dante Moore, 20-29 passing for 286 yards, with several clutch completions:

3rd and 7 1st quarter, 35-yard pass to McClellan

2nd and 8 2nd quarter 18-yard pass to Johnson

4th and 3 2nd quarter 22-yard pass to Benson

3rd and 10 3rd quarter 31-yard pass to Johnson

1st and 20 at Oregon 6, 41-yard pass to McClellan

3rd and 9 4th quarter, 64-yard pass to Benson

Moore's cool and composure personifies this Oregon team. They have such heart and such a remarkable next-play mentality.

The Oregon defense held Demond Williams to 15-30 passing for 129 yards with two interceptions and four sacks, harrassing him into several throwaways, 1.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup by Teitum Tuioti.