Story: Oregon Football Opens Conference Play With Dominant Performance

Oregon Football played four strong quarters en route to a 21-6 victory on the road against Stanford. Oregon was once again led by a defense who now hasn’t let up a touchdown in three full games, the first time has accomplished that feat since 1935. That defense was led by a strong secondary, who only gave up 120 pass yards, none to Stanford TE Colby Parkinson. Thomas Graham Jr. led the way for the Ducks with 9 total tackles, closely followed by Jevon Holland who had 8 tackles. Holland also grabbed a key interception in the fourth quarter. With new defensive coordinator Andy Avalos running the show, Oregon has now gone 12 consecutive quarters without allowing a touchdown. Oregon’s first half defense has been just as impressive, if not more. The last time Oregon allowed a first half touchdown would take you back to last season, November 17, 2018 against Arizona State.

Meanwhile, Oregon was led offensively by Justin Herbert, who threw for 259 yards on 19 completions and 3 touchdowns . His 19 completions pass Danny O’neil for second in school history. In addition he now 146 passing yards away from surpassing Bill Musgrave for second in school history as well. Herbert has now gone 32 consecutive games with a passing touchdown, which leads the country and has gone 174 passing attempts without throwing a touchdown, another mark that he leads the nation in. He is yet to toss an interception all season. Herbert’s main target was tight end Jacob Breeland, who Herbert connected with five times for 74 and two scores. Breeland now has four touchdowns on the season, leading all FBS tight ends. No Oregon running back eclipsed the 100 yard mark against the stringy Cardinal. Verdell led all Ducks with 87 yards on the ground on 24 carries.

The win gives Oregon their first win over the Cardinal since 2015. The win also gives the Ducks their first win in a Pac-12 opener since a 38-31 victory at Washington State in 2014. They have now won 18 of their last 20 conference road openers. Saturday’s win gives David Shaw his first back to back to back loss of his career and moves Oregon to 3-1 (1-0) entering a bye week before they face an undefeated Cal Bears team at home on October 5. Kickoff time is yet to be announced.

Jacob Breeland Emerging Into Oregon’s Go-to Receiver (By: Sean MacPherson)