In Oregon’s first season in the Big Ten, the top-ranked Ducks have defeated two of the conference’s traditional powers: Ohio State and Michigan.
Dillon Gabriel threw a touchdown pass and ran for another score in a strong performance as a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy, guiding Oregon to a 38-17 victory over the defending national champion Wolverines on Saturday.
The Ducks had previously beaten the Buckeyes 32-31 three weeks ago. “We’re new on the block, but we’re here to stay,” linebacker Bryce Boettcher said.
Oregon (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten) seemed to get a lucky break on its first touchdown when Gabriel’s 2-yard pass to Evan Stewart looked like it was dropped, but the Ducks didn’t need much luck to remain unbeaten.
“Every touchdown is supposed to be reviewed, so that’s something we’ve got to talk to the Big Ten about,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. Referee Ron Snodgrass confirmed that the play was reviewed.
“There could have been something that came in later that showed something different and if that’s the case, that may be the issue,” Snodgrass said.
The Wolverines (5-4, 3-3) tied the game at 7-all with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Davis Warren to Tyler Morris, capitalizing on a fumble by backup returner Ryan Pellum during a punt return. They fell behind for the rest of the game.
Oregon had 304 yards of offense in the first half and led 28-10 at halftime before slowing down.
The Wolverines had a chance to close the gap to a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter but turned the ball over on downs at the Ducks’ 10-yard line when receiver Semaj Morgan attempted a pass to backup quarterback Alex Orji.
“They’ve had a lot of success this season on trick plays, so we were aware that there were going to be people leaking out,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said.
Gabriel completed 22 of 34 passes for 294 yards and threw one touchdown. He also ran up the middle for a 23-yard touchdown, giving Oregon an 18-point lead at halftime. “He is the calmest dude you’ve ever been around,” Lanning said.
The Ducks managed to keep going even after losing their top receiver and punt returner, Tez Johnson, to a shoulder injury in the first quarter. Johnson leads the Ducks and is among the NCAA leaders with 64 receptions.
Jordan James helped balance the offense by rushing for 117 yards and scoring a touchdown with just 25 seconds left to finish off the win in a quiet Big House that had 110,576 fans. “Warriors control the atmosphere, not the spectators,” Lanning said.
Warren completed 12 of 21 passes for 165 yards and a career-high two touchdowns, connecting with Morgan and Peyton O’Leary for scores. Colston Loveland made seven catches for a career-high 112 yards for the Wolverines.
“Obviously it’s disappointing, but it’s not our job right now to feel bad for ourselves,” Warren said.
