Malik Benson brings Autzen crowd to its feet with electric punt return

In a big game, a timely special teams play can make all the difference.

Senior Malik Benson provided a huge boost for the Ducks, using his 10.4 speed to field a line drive punt at the Oregon 15, picking up a couple of clean blocks, cutting up the right sideline and zooming 85 yards for a touchdown and a 21-14 lead.

Benson's big return is Oregon's first return for a TD since Noah Whittington and Tez Johnson broke one each against Boise State in 2024.

Cornerback Ify Obidegwu capped that clutch play with another one on defense, ranging back into coverage to pick off a pass intended for Jakobi Lane. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Lane gave the Ducks the ball at their 44.

Noah Whittington and Jordon Davison continued to churn out rushing yards, then on 3rd and 3 Dante Moore connected with Benson on a 30-yard pass down to 4, but an unsportsmanlike conduct foul on Benson backed the ball up to the 19, first and ten.

Officials were calling the game extremely close, not allowing any gesturing or taunting in a chippy game.

The Ducks faced 4th and 1, but a facemask on Harkey backed the Ducks up again, third and 23 on the 32. Whittington got back six. Sappington came on for a 44-yard field goal, off the upright, but USC's Desman Stephens leaped over the center, giving the Ducks fresh downs at the SC 13.

After Dante Moore kept for nine yards, they had 2nd and 1 at the Trojan 4 at the two-minute time out. A false start cost them five, the sixth penalty of the drive. Whittington kept off tackle for a first down at the one, a quick whistle costing the Ducks a touchdown as Whittington drove in with help from his o-line.

It didn't matter as senior linebacker Bryce Boettcher, the old South Eugene quarterback, took a direct snap and drove in for a touchdown and a 28-14 lead with 1:52 to play.

With Oregon getting the ball first to start the second half, they had a prime chance to take control of the game with a defensive stop to end the second quarter.