Oregon LB Devon Jackson is having a dream start to the Oklahoma State game

The Oregon Ducks are currently in action down in Stillwater in a showdown with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Between the game being planned for a 9:00 AM Pacific Time kickoff and a 90 minute lightning delay, the hope was that the Ducks wouldn't sleepwalk through the start of this game, creating another battle like last week's against Boise State.

The Ducks started the game on offense, and after a quick 3-and-out by the Ducks offense, it looked like Oregon might be in trouble. Right as Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker broke off a massive run, the Ducks found an early MVP to help the team weather the storm.

Devon Jackson had a dream start to the Oklahoma State game

Drew Mestemaker broke off a 75-yard run to start the game for Oklahoma State's offense, but it wasn't a touchdown due to the incredible hustle of linebacker Devon Jackson. Oregon fans have long heard about Devon Jackson's speed, and the Athletic's Bruce Feldman reported that Jackson was the fastest player on the team. Ducks' fans got to see that blazing speed as he tracked down Drew Mestemaker.

The hustle and effort by Devon Jackson proved to be key as the Ducks' held Oklahoma State on 3 straight plays forcing the Cowboys to settle for a field goal.

When the offense stalled out again, Oklahoma State had a chance to start stretching the lead like we saw Boise State do last weekend. The Cowboys marched right back into the red zone, putting maximum pressure on the defense. Instead, defensive tackle D'Antre Robinson was able to deflect a pass by Mestemaker into the waiting arms of Devon Jackson, who took it 96 yards for a touchdown.

The Pick 6 marks the longest for the Ducks since 2017, and enters Jackson into a tie for the 6th longest in program history.

It's not often that a defensive player can make an impact on the game as much as Devon Jackson has to start the game. Oregon's offense hasn't found any rhythm, and the defense hasn't found a ton of success, yet Devon Jackson has allowed the Ducks to hold a 7-3 lead at the end of the 1st quarter.

The early struggles in back-to-back games are concerning, and will need to be addressed, but the Ducks at least have the benefit of holding an early lead this week thanks to the hustle and speed of Devon Jackson.

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