The No. 1 Oregon Ducks (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten) and the Maryland Terrapins (4-5, 1-5 Big Ten) faced off for the first time on a cloudy Saturday evening at Autzen Stadium. It wasn’t the cleanest of games for the Ducks. They still took care of business thanks to defensive end Jordan Burch, who forced a fumble resulting in an Oregon touchdown and a swing of momentum, as well as Terrance Ferguson, who made six catches for 35 yards, including the 178th touchdown of Dillon Gabriel's career to tie the NCAA all-time record.
Leading up to the Michigan game, Burch had missed three consecutive games harboring a knee injury and even during the game against the Wolverines he looked banged up.
Coming into the game last against Maryland he was said to be full strength. His presence made life tough for Terrapin quarterback Billy Edwards Jr.
Despite Oregon having the lead, Maryland had the momentum throughout the first quarter and it looked to carry that momentum into a 3rd and 6 on the fourth play of the quarter.
Burch timed the snap perfectly and nailed Edwards Jr. forcing the football to the ground. Brandon Johnson scooped the ball off the turf and returned it 61 yards to the house to put the Ducks up 14-3. It was a needed spark for the crowd who was nearly silent before the play.
This was only the first electrifying play. His second shocked everyone in the stadium. With Oregon's offense struggling to get going in the second half head coach Dan Lanning made the gutsiest call he could have made. On 4th and 3 with the ball on the Oregon 22-yard line, the Ducks ran a fake punt. Burch took the direct snap broke free for 36 yards and put the Ducks in Terrapin territory.
“We had some back-against-the-wall moments too, where we took some risks and guys took advantage of it,” said Lanning with a massive grin. “Like Jordan Burch’s run there on the fake punt.”
Lanning was not the only Duck to have found amusement in the fake punt.
“He looked like a running back,” said Gabriel. “We might have to put him [in the backfield] for short yardage goal line.”
Later in the game, Burch would be removed following an apparent injury but when asked about his status postgame Lanning said he had tweaked his ankle but was fine.
Burch is one of the best defensive players in all of college football and he proved why in limited snaps.
With Tez Johnson out with a shoulder injury, the receiving core as a whole is going to have to step up and the offense is going to be spread out more.
“With Tez going down everyone has to step up, that’s me included,” said Ferguson.
Of course, the offense faced challenges moving the football early on, largely due to dropped passes. With their star wide receiver sidelined, each player was pushed into an expanded role, demanding not only increased responsibility but also more accountability.
“I have some that I want back I dropped a couple of passes, that’s on me,” said Ferguson. “Dillon put it in a good spot and I dropped the ball.”
Ferguson was targeted 12 times making six catches including a touchdown, his first of the year and a milestone for Gabriel.
“There were some connection issues on our part but that’s something we can get better at, said Gabriel. “It was a long time coming I’m happy for him.”
Going into what will be a tough test in Camp Randall against Wisconsin next Saturday the offense will continue to look towards the tight ends to keep the offense moving.