Autzen Stadium – On a cool, overcast evening at Autzen Stadium, the No. 1 Oregon Ducks clinched a 39-18 victory over the Maryland Terrapins, pushing their season record to an impressive 10-0. The game drew a packed stadium filled with enthusiastic fans from both sides, watching as Oregon racked up 180 rushing yards, compared to Maryland’s 83 yards.
In the days leading up to the matchup, Maryland’s head coach, Mike Locksley, downplayed Oregon’s top ranking. “That number in front, we don’t emphasize that,” he remarked, focusing instead on preparing his team to compete against each opponent, regardless of rankings.
Locksley also acknowledged the skills of Oregon’s quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, whose season completion rate of 74.8% and 2,665 passing yards has been pivotal for the Ducks. He also gave credit to Oregon’s resilient defense, which would soon prove challenging for Maryland.
The game began with Maryland winning the coin toss and choosing to receive. The Terps’ offense struggled initially, stalling after a false start penalty and an incomplete pass led to a quick three-and-out. Maryland regrouped, however, and completed a drive ending in a 37-yard field goal by Jack Howes at 10:17, giving them an early 3-0 lead.
Oregon’s head coach, Dan Lanning, voiced some concern early on. “I don’t think it’s a lack of effort but maybe a lack of focus,” he commented on Oregon’s performance after a few missed chances and incomplete passes from Gabriel.
However, the Ducks soon found their rhythm. Near the end of the first quarter, running back Jordan James scored the game’s first touchdown, putting Oregon ahead at 7-3. Maryland tried to respond, with quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. completing a 16-yard pass to wide receiver Tai Felton, but a subsequent sack and fumble halted their progress. Oregon capitalized on the turnover with defensive back Brandon Johnson’s 62-yard run to the end zone, widening the lead to 14-3.
Maryland rallied, working their way downfield to score a 2-yard touchdown, narrowing Oregon’s lead to 14-10. But Oregon responded again before halftime, with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Gabriel to Terrance Ferguson, ending the half with Oregon up 21-10.
Starting the third quarter at their own 25-yard line, Oregon’s offense found momentum. After a few successful plays, including a 36-yard rush by Jordan Burch, and a pass interference penalty that advanced them to Maryland’s 27-yard line, Gabriel connected with offensive lineman Gernorris Wilson on a 3-yard touchdown pass. A successful two-point conversion pushed the Ducks to 29-10.
Despite Maryland’s efforts, including a few turnovers earlier in the game, they struggled to regain momentum in the later quarters. Oregon’s tightened offensive and defensive play allowed them to maintain control, securing their 39-18 win.
Reflecting on the game, Coach Lanning said, “I feel like we can play a whole lot better, and I think everybody saw moments of that.” He also complimented Maryland, noting, “They had a good plan…they had some good answers for some of the stuff we do.”
With the season nearing its end, Oregon is preparing for their final matchups against the Wisconsin Badgers and the Washington Huskies. Despite the stakes, quarterback Dillon Gabriel and the Ducks remain focused, embracing their motto, “We don’t care.”
UP NEXT:
The Oregon Ducks will face off against the Wisconsin Badgers on November 16, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin
