Oregon

Pac-12 rewind: Colorado survives, UW and Oregon roll as epic non-conference performance continues

Published

1 year ago

September 17, 2023

Press Room

Pac-12 rewind: Colorado survives, UW and Oregon roll as epic non-conference performance continues

Recapping the best and worst of Week 3 action across the Pac-12 …

Theme of the week: Blowouts

Of the nine wins collected by Pac-12 teams on Saturday, only one (Colorado over Colorado State) was closer than two touchdowns. The average margin of victory? Try 28.7 points. And in several cases, the margin could have been vastly worse. UCLA scored 45 points in the first half against North Carolina Central; Washington State scored 43 in the first against Northern Colorado; Washington slammed Michigan State with 35 in the first; and Oregon posted 34 in 30 minutes on Hawaii.

Theme of next week: The AP poll

The dearth of upsets in Week 3 means the Pac-12 will begin round-robin play on Sept. 23 with eight teams ranked in the AP top-25 poll (for the second consecutive week). That should ensure a barrage of ranked-against-ranked matchups throughout October and loads of primetime TV slots for the conference. Only the SEC has ever placed eight teams in the AP rankings.

Theme of the month: September success

The Pac-12 went 9-2 this week and has an overall mark of 29-5 in non-conference play, with two games remaining (Stanford and USC against Notre Dame). The winning percentage of .852 tracks as one of the best in recent history for any conference. In 2011, the Big 12’s non-conference win rate was .900, while the SEC hit .879 just five years ago. What’s more, the Pac-12 is 7-3 against Power Five opposition, and only one of the five losses (Stanford to Sacramento State) qualifies as an upset. The other four (ASU to Fresno State and Oklahoma State, Arizona to Mississippi State and Cal to Auburn) all came with the Pac-12 as the underdog.

Theme of the season: Bowl math

The conference is contractually tied to seven bowl games and often struggles to produce enough eligible teams to fulfill its commitments. This year, it could have more participants than slots available. Eight teams are halfway to eligibility with nine games remaining. That provides an immense cushion given that losses are sure to pile up over October and November. The Pac-12 hasn’t produced eight eligible teams since the 2017 season, when nine cleared the bar and two, Washington and USC, reached the New Year’s Six.

Game of the week: Colorado 43, Colorado State 35 (OT)

The Buffaloes trailed 28-20 late in the fourth quarter but went 98 yards for the tying touchdown, then won in the second overtime. Overall, CU received loads of help from the Rams, who committed an astounding 17 penalties for 182 yards — Herm Edwards is impressed — and compounded their problems with four turnovers. Add the emotions from the in-state rivalry and pre-game banter, and the duel made for terrific theatre. #Pac12AfterDark at its finest.

Team of the week: Washington

The Huskies had a significant platform to show off their postseason bona fides with a road game in Big Ten country, and they took maximum advantage. The 41-7 blowout of Michigan State served notice in the Eastern Time Zone that Washington should be considered a playoff candidate and quarterback Michael Penix (four touchdowns, 473 yards) is an A-level Heisman Trophy contender. The absence of MSU coach Mel Tucker, who was suspended early in the week, doesn’t detract from UW’s impressive performance.

Player of the week: Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders

Sanders struggled for much of the night against Colorado State, in part because his favorite target, Travis Hunter, was knocked out of the game on a cheap hit. (The two-way star is expected to miss several weeks with an undisclosed injury.) But when it mattered most, Sanders delivered in masterful fashion: He led the Buffaloes on a 98-yard, game-tying touchdown drive in the final minute, then threw two touchdowns in overtime to claim the victory. His totals: 348 yards, four touchdowns.

Best half: Washington’s Michael Penix

The surgical senior unleashed perhaps the finest half of his career on Michigan State, completing 20-of-25 passes for 375 yards and four touchdowns in the first 30 minutes as UW established a commanding lead. The display surely left a lasting impression on Heisman voters in the Midwest region. We are continually amazed that Penix is able to move so effectively in the pocket with an ICBM launcher attached to his left shoulder.

Worst loss: Stanford

The Cardinal managed a come-from-ahead defeat against Sacramento State, coach Troy Taylor’s former team. Stanford led midway through the fourth quarter but collapsed down the stretch in a 30-23 defeat, the second loss to an FCS foe in school history. (The other: to UC Davis in 2005.) Get ready for a long year on The Farm.

Worst win: Cal

We note that with a significant dose of sarcasm, because no victory can be considered an unfortunate event (especially as bowl math is concerned). But Cal trailed Idaho 17-0 in the first half before snapping out of its slumber and reeling off 31 consecutive points. On a day when their peers manhandled lesser foes, the Bears looked wobbly by comparison.

Best disappointing performance: Oregon State

The Beavers beat San Diego State 26-9, led by at least two possessions throughout the second half and averaged an impressive 7.7 yards per play. But it’s a testament to their elevated standards under coach Jonathan Smith that the performance left us wanting more. (Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei never seemed comfortable and threw two interceptions.) The Hotline assuredly isn’t alone in that sentiment, given the Beavers were 24.5-point favorites.

Worst offensive performance: Arizona State

The Sun Devils were without injured quarterback Jaden Rashada, who’s out at least a month (and could end up redshirting). But that doesn’t fully explain a 29-0 loss to Fresno State in which they committed eight turnovers — eight! — and were shut out at home for the first time since 1988. Feel free to blame ASU’s administration for just about everything that’s wrong with the program, but this performance is on the coaching staff.

Worst field storming: Colorado

We understand all the excitement in Boulder, but the Buffaloes were 23-point favorites over an in-state, Group of Five opponent that lost its season opener 50-24 (to Washington State). Maybe set the bar a little higher.

Stat of the month: Pac-12 quarterbacks

The top five passers in the conference, in our estimation, are USC’s Caleb Williams, Washington’s Michael Penix, Washington State’s Cam Ward, Oregon’s Bo Nix and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Through three games, they have combined to throw 51 touchdowns with only two interceptions.

Stat of the season: Arizona

The Wildcats have allowed 37 points in regulation thus far, an average of 12.3 per game. That rate will surely increase once conference play begins, but it compares favorably to the defensive performance the previous two seasons, when Arizona allowed an average of 28.3 points across six non-conference games.

Stat of the decade: Washington State

The Cougars scored 43 points in the first half and 64 overall against Northern Colorado, their highest totals since posting 55 (first half) and 69 (total) in a victory over Arizona in 2018.

Stat of the era: Utah

With their businesslike victory over Weber State, the Utes improved to 22-0 in non-conference home games since joining the Pac-12 in 2011. Since this is their final year before moving to the Big 12, they will depart with perfection in tow.

Games of next week: Colorado at Oregon and Oregon State at Washington State

The biggest story in college football heads to Eugene. We suspect CU coach Deion Sanders will make optimal use of the summertime salvo fired by Oregon’s Dan Lanning, who quipped, “Do you remember them winning anything?” after Colorado bolted for the Big 12. Meanwhile, the undefeated Beavers and Cougars collide in Pullman for a ‘Pac-2’ showdown that oozes off-the-field intrigue. So rich are the storylines for both games that a third matchup of ranked, undefeated teams, UCLA at Utah, will receive modest attention.

*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716

*** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline

*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.

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Oregon

5-Star Defensive Lineman Visiting Oregon Ducks for Ohio State Buckeyes Matchup

Published

7 hours ago

October 5, 2024

Press Room

5-Star Defensive Lineman Visiting Oregon Ducks for Ohio State Buckeyes Matchup

Consensus five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart is visiting the No. 6 Oregon Ducks on Oct. 12 as the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes come to Autzen Stadium. On Oct. 5, Stewart announced he will be reclassifying from the class of 2026 to the class of 2025.

Consensus five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart is visiting the No. 6 Oregon Ducks on Oct. 12 for the top-10 matchup with the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes On Oct. 5, Stewart announced he will be reclassifying from the class of 2026 to the class of 2025.

One week after revealing his plans to graduate a year early, Stewart will be in Autzen as the Buckeyes take on the Ducks.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning and Ohio State coach Ryan Day both have undefeated teams with College Football Playoff aspirations, but the recruiting never ends. Stewart projects as a player who can make an immediate impact.

Jahkeem Stewart under the Friday night lights. / Jahkeem Stewart / Instagram

After his visit to Eugene on Oct. 12, Stewart has plans to visit LSU on Nov. 9, USC on No. 16, and Ohio State on Nov. 30. Typically, the team with the last visit

The early signing period begins on Dec. 4, giving Day and the Buckeyes the last chance to make an impression on Stewart. That being said, LSU and USC have both been considered favorites throughout Stewart’s recruitment.

🚨NEWS🚨 5-star DL Jahkeem Stewart has reclassified to the 2025 cycle, per @SWiltfong_‼️
Read: https://t.co/ZTuincsC7N pic.twitter.com/bPD8QrNm37
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) October 5, 2024

Stewart was already high-profile recruit, and he is now the No. 3 defensive lineman recruit in 2025 according to the 247Sports Composite.

247Sports Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks thinks highly of Stewart, writing about the elite defensive lineman’s athleticism.

“Reportedly highly productive sophomore campaign with 85 tackles, 33 TFL, 20 sacks. Still developing pass-rush repertoire but has shown encouraging technical awareness,” said Brooks. “Elite young defensive line prospect given outstanding physical tools and promising movement ability who could become a serious NFL Draft candidate down the road.”

MORE: Oregon Ducks’ Dan Lanning: ‘Tough’ Dillon Gabriel Injury Update After Michigan State

MORE: Will ESPN College GameDay Visit Eugene for Oregon Ducks vs. Ohio State?

MORE: Oregon Ducks Secure Recruiting Visit With Son of Former NFL Star

MORE: USC Trojans’ Bear Alexander Interested in Transfer To Oregon Ducks?

MORE: Oregon Ducks Recruiting Pushing To Flip USC Trojans Four-Star Commit

MORE: Largest College Football Stadiums: Ranking Oregon Ducks In Big Ten Conference

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Oregon

Friday’s win allows Oregon football to look ahead to matchup with Ohio State

Published

16 hours ago

October 5, 2024

Press Room

Friday’s win allows Oregon football to look ahead to matchup with Ohio State

Oregon is undefeated, coming off its third straight convincing win and despite some unremarkable plays in recent weeks, is starting to look more and more like a team that should to be favored to land a spot in the College Football Playoff in December.

Now comes the most anticipated game of the regular season.

Bring on the Buckeyes.

The No. 6 Oregon (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) will play No. 3 Ohio State – which is 4-0 heading into its game Saturday against Iowa – at 4:30 p.m. next Saturday in Autzen Stadium, a game between the two highest ranked teams in the conference.

“I think it’ll be a great challenge and a great opportunity for us in front of our home crowd,” quarterback Dillon Gabriel said after Oregon defeated Michigan State 31-10 Friday in Autzen Stadium. “You dream for moments like these and games like this and I think everyone’s excited for it.”

Despite this mid-October gem on its schedule, coach Dan Lanning said his team hasn’t looked ahead to Ohio State while it opened the season with wins against Idaho, Boise State, Oregon State, UCLA and now the Spartans.

“They’ve done a really good job of not listening to you guys, right?” Lanning said to media members Friday night. “But finally, you guys can talk about it. We’re finally there. We’re going to play them now. A great team. … There’s a reason why they’re one of the best teams in the country. It’s going to be a great challenge for us, and our fans are gonna have to show up.”

Lanning said the team would turn its focus to the Buckeyes at midnight on Friday. That wasn’t soon enough for wide receiver Tez Johnson.

“Right now,” Johnson said. “We turn the page right now. Obviously, it’s a big game … we’ll got out here and practice physical knowing that they got some really good players. But so do we. It’s going to be a really good matchup.”

Heading into their game against the Hawkeyes, the Buckeyes are the most prolific team in conference. With former Oregon coach Chip Kelly in his first season as offensive coordinator, Ohio State is ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten in scoring (48.8 points) and yards (534.8) per game, and No. 2 in passing yards (307.8) and No. 4 in rushing yards (227.0) per game.

They’ve also allowed the fewest points per game (6.8) for a No. 1 point differential of 42.0.

“I played Ohio State two years,” said defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, a Michigan State transfer. “I know what they bring. We just have to compete that game. That’s a game we’re gonna have to compete. Everybody run to the ball, everybody in the right gaps, everybody playing for each other. That’s what we gotta do.”

In 2021, the Ducks upset the Buckeyes in Columbus, 35-28, the only victory for Oregon in 10 games against Ohio State. The two games prior were a 42-20 loss in the 2015 national championship game and a 26-17 defeat in the 2010 Rose Bowl.

“We’re two great programs that have been known for playing good football,” Gabriel said. “The things you look to as a young man playing the game is big-time moments and great atmospheres. So, super excited for it.”

Chris Hansen covers University of Oregon football, men’s basketball, track and field, cross country and softball for The Register-Guard. You can reach him on X @chansen_RG or by email at chansen@registerguard.com.

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Oregon

Live updates: Michigan State trails Oregon 31-7 in fourth quarter

Published

23 hours ago

October 5, 2024

Press Room

Live updates: Michigan State trails Oregon 31-7 in fourth quarter

MSU closes gap in waning seconds

A nice drive by Tommy Schuster puts points on the board for the Spartans. 31-10 looks like the final with 25 seconds to play. I’m sure there many out there that were more interested in that field goal than others.

Defense gets a stop, Chiles’ day is done

Tommy Schuster enters for the Spartans with six minutes and change remaining. Looks like the rest of the starting crew is still out there.

Touchdown, MSU!

In year one of a new coaching staff, and against teams that are probably in a different weight class, little things like getting on the scoreboard matter. A 75-yard drive ended with a Kay’ron-Lynch Adams one yard scoring run, and it’s 31-7 late. Chiles found a few receivers, including two first downs to Jack Velling, and a 35-yard strike to Montorie Foster. 8:27 remains to close the gap further.

Score blown open after long Oregon TD drive

After holding the ball for over eight minutes, the Ducks hit paydirt on fourth and goal from the two. For the second week in a row, there are just too many weapons for Michigan State to keep up with. 31-0 Oregon is your score now.

Fourth quarter looms with Oregon in control

Oregon has really slowed the pace and is taking a bunch of time off the clock while moving the ball. The Ducks are threatening again, as the end of the third quarter arrives. MSU’s defense needs the breather, they are getting leaned on right now. Let’s see if they can keep the end zone clean.

Ducks add field goal, 24-0 score

Well, it could be worse. A promising Oregon drive stalled out, and it was a nice job by Michigan State to force a 50-yard field goal, especially with an iffy Ducks kicking game. The attempt was good, and now Michigan State takes over on offense, still trying to put some points on the board.

Oregon takes over after empty possession

Michigan State’s offensive line is breaking down, and Chiles is doing his best to scramble around. Oregon’s defensive line is a handful for anyone. Jaron Glover had an opportunity to haul in a big play inside the red zone, but had the ball punched out at the last second. Still 21-0 early third quarter.

Lead extends to 21-0 going into half

That’s huge. Oregon marches right down the field, eats up the rest of the clock, and scores a touchdown. Gabriel throws his 135th TD pass and now the Spartans have dug quite a first half hole against a top 10 team for the second week in a row.

MSU gives ball back at two minute timeout

A few sacks derailed a drive that started off strong. Michigan State will get the ball to begin the second half, so this upcoming drive for the defense will be crucial to get a stop.

Ducks punch one in to go up 14-0

It is becoming clear that there isn’t much Spartan resistance for the Oregon ground game tonight. Oregon back Jordan James is up to 133 rushing yards on 14 carries, with the team up to 174. There is still 5:26 left in the half. Offense needs to put some points up quick.

Second quarter starts another turnover

Plot twist, this was NOT another Michigan State turnover. Charles Brantley is on an interception hot streak, and he just got the second red zone pick of the night for the Spartans. In a game with three drives that got inside the five, it is 7-0 Oregon with 11:17 left in the first half.

Gabriel runs in late first quarter score

The Ducks have gotten to at least the one-yard line in their last two drives, but no turnover this time. A couple big plays were capped off by a nine-yard touchdown run by Gabriel, and it’s 7-0 Oregon. End of the first quarter in Eugene.

Three-and-out for MSU, Ducks takeover

Nice decision from Chiles to not force anything on a third and a million. A nice punt from Ryan Eckley and another play by Spencer flips the field.

Oregon returns the favor; Spartans pick off Dillon Gabriel

Call it even! Fresh off of forcing a turnover at their own one yard-line, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel throws an interception at the Spartan one. Malik Spencer made a very athletic diving catch to secure the pick, and Michigan State takes over after the touchback.

Chiles fumble at the 1 squanders golden scoring chance

This is getting ridiculous. Yet another drive where Michigan State marches the ball right down the field ends with a turnover. This one is an Aidan Chiles fumble as he was reaching into the end zone. The most frustrating thing for Spartan fans is how good Chiles also looks. Multiple great throws, including a deep bomb to Nick Marsh that set the Spartans up at the two, set up the scoring chance. But one step forward has been followed by a step back too many times so far to hang with the big boy teams.

Hello Defense!

Michigan State won the toss and gave the Ducks the ball. That turned out to be a good choice. The Spartans force a three and out and the offense has an early chance to punch ahead.

Let’s get this party started

Nice surprise on this late-night for Michiganders. Tigers’ announcer Jason Benetti is on the call in Eugene for Fox. 3-2 Spartans and 4-0 Ducks on deck.

The Spartans continue the meat of their schedule with a trip across the country to face unbeaten and No. 6-ranked Oregon on the national stage.

Coming off a 38-7 home loss to Ohio State, Michigan State faces another top-10 team, but this time it’s on the road. The Spartans moved the ball well against the Buckeyes, and did not look physically outmatched for most of the night, but costly turnovers and mistakes proved too much to keep up with Ohio State.

Those mistakes will need to be limited, as the Spartans head into one of the most hostile environments in the country. However, Oregon has let opponents hang around in home games so far. The Ducks needed a late score to put away FCS Idaho in Week 1 and only beat Boise State out of the Mountain West by a 37-34 score. Oregon is coming off a pair of dominant road performances the last two weeks, with a 49-14 rout at Oregon State and 34-13 win at UCLA.

Follow along here for live updates from Detroit News contributor Griffin Beers.