Eugene, Ore. — Dante Moore put together the most efficient passing performance in Oregon history, and freshman running back Jordon Davison punched in two early scores as the Ducks rolled past Minnesota 42–13 on Friday night at Autzen Stadium.
Moore was nearly flawless, completing 27 of 30 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns. His 90% completion rate set a new single-game program record and helped Oregon (9–1, 6–1 Big Ten, No. 8 CFP) find the offensive balance it had been missing in recent weather-plagued games.
“With the conditions finally working in our favor, it felt like the right time to open up the passing game,” Moore said. “Whatever gets us the win—that’s what matters.”
Davison made the most of his seven carries, racking up 57 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq, returning from injury, caught eight passes for 96 yards and a score, while the Ducks spread the ball around to nine different receivers.
Minnesota (6–4, 4–3) dropped to 0–3 on the road this season and never found its footing against a Ducks defense ranked third nationally in total defense. The Golden Gophers mustered only 62 rushing yards and trailed 28–6 at halftime.
Oregon Strikes Early and Often
The Ducks opened the game with a crisp scoring drive ending in Davison’s 1-yard run. He added a 39-yard touchdown on Oregon’s next possession to make it 14–0 before Minnesota answered with a field goal.
Noah Whittington extended the lead with a 40-yard run—initially bobbled in the end zone but ruled a touchdown after review—and Moore’s 3-yard strike to Sadiq pushed the advantage to 28–6 at the break.
Minnesota’s Drake Lindsey hit Javon Tracy for a 10-yard touchdown on the first drive of the second half, but Oregon responded immediately. Moore threaded a 13-yard scoring pass to Jeremiah McClellan, who kept one foot in bounds after a lengthy review. Jay Harris later added a 12-yard touchdown run to cap the Ducks’ sixth touchdown of the night.
Lindsey finished with 138 passing yards for Minnesota. Darius Taylor returned to action with 57 rushing yards and 40 receiving yards.
Gophers coach P.J. Fleck emphasized resilience afterward. “Row on, man,” Fleck said. “Put your oar back in the water. There’s a lot to learn, and I know we’ll respond.”
Takeaway
After grinding out a comeback win at Iowa in harsh conditions the previous week, Oregon cruised at home in mild weather. The convincing victory likely won’t dramatically impact the Ducks’ playoff ranking, but a major showdown looms next Saturday against USC, ranked No. 17 in both the AP Poll and CFP rankings.
Up Next:
Minnesota: Travels to Northwestern next Saturday.
Oregon: Hosts USC in a pivotal late-season matchup.
