11-10-22 Emerald Media Group - Gameday

GAMEDAY

The Duck joins Oregon cheerleaders as they sing and dance to Oregon’s third quarter tradition, “shout.” The University of Oregon Ducks hosted and defeated the Oregon State Beavers 38-29, claiming the Pac-12 North champions title. (Emerald/ Ian Enger)

Yellow Team’s, Sean Dollars (5) makes a run outside the defensive line. The Oregon Football team competes in it’s annual spring game on April 23rd, 2022 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)

OREGON

PLAYER

CHASE COTA

KRIS HUTSON

T.J. BASS

MARCUS HARPER II

ALEX FORSYTH

RYAN WALK

MALAESAL AUMAVAE-LAULU

TERRANCE FERGUSON BO NIX

BUCKY IRVING

ISAAH CROCKER

DOONT’E THORNTON

SEVEN MCGEE

JOSH CONERLY JR

DAVE LULI

KANEN ROSSI

PLAYER

BRANDON DORLUS

JORDAN RILEY

CASEY ROGERS

DJ JOHNSON

NOAH SEWELL

JEFFREY BASSA

TRIKWEZE BRDIGES

JAMAL HILL

STEVE STEPHENS IV

CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ

BENNETT WILLIAMS

TREVEN MA’AE

TAKI TAIMANI

KEYON WARE-HUDSON

No. 11 No. 23 No. 1 No. 56 No. 55 No. 78 No. 53 No. 71 No. 3 No. 10 No. 00 No. 6 No. 2 No. 7 No. 76 No. 52 No. 60 No. 58

WR WR WR LT LG OC RG RT TE QB RB WR WR WR LT LG OC RG

ROSS JAMES

CAMDEN LEWIS

ANDREW BOYLE

KARSTEN BATTLES

No. 3 No. 91 No. 98 No. 2 No. 1 No. 33 No. 11 No. 19 No. 7 No. 00 No. 48 No. 55 No. 95 No. 18

CAM MCORMICK

JAY BUTTERFIELD

NOAH WHITTINGTON

KYLER KASPER

CALEB CHAPMAN

JOSH DELGADO

MICHAEL WOOTEN

KAWIKA ROGERS

FAAOPE LALOULU

BAILEY JARAMILLO

MOLIKI MATAVAO

TY THOMPSON

SEAN DOLLARS

CHARLIE PICKARD

PATRICK HERBERT

OREGON DEFENSE

MASE FUNA JACKSON LADUKE JUSTIN FLOWE DONTAE MANNING DAYMON DAVID BRYAN ADDISON JAHLIL FLORENCE JJ GREENFIELD JAKE SHIPLEY

BRADYN SWINSON KEITH BROWN

DARREN BARKINS

KHAMARI TERRELL

No. 70 No. 84 No. 9 No. 22 No. 17 No. 19 No. 83 No. 77 No. 73 No. 75 No. 69 No. 8 No. 13 No. 5 No. 65 No. 88 No. 20

RT TE QB RB WR WR WR LT LG RG RT TE QB RB RG TE RB

EDGE MLB WLB CB S S CB NB DE EDGE WLB CB NB JR RS FR RS FR SO SO RS JR FR RS FR SO SO SO RS FR FR

YEAR

LS H/PT SO/TR JR RS JR/TR SR SR/TR PLAYER

No. 92 No. 49 No. 98 No. 45 No. 93

KRIS HUTSON

SEVEN MCGEE

ALEX BALES

LUKE BASSO

CHASE COTA

PR KR/PR PK LS PR SO SO SR/TR RS FR SR TR

Dylan Morris (9), attemps to outrun an oncoming tackle, and a potential safety, from Jeffrey Bassa (33). The Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Wash., on November 6, 2021. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)

WASHINGTON WASHINGTON WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON OFFENSE

ROME ODUNZE

JA’LYNN POLK

JALEN MCMILLAN

TROY FAUTANU

JAXSON KIRKLAND

COREY LUCIAN

HENRY BAINIVALU

ROGER ROSENGARTEN

DEVIN CULP

MICHAEL PENIX JR.

WAYNE TAULAPAPA

LONYATTA ALEXANDER JR.

No. 1 No. 2 No. 11 No. 55 No. 51 No. 74 No. 66 No. 73 No. 83 No. 9 No. 21 No. 4

PLAYER #

JEREMIAH MARTIN

FAATUI TUITELE

TULI LETULIGASENOA BRALEN TRICE CAM BRIGHT ALPHONZO TUPUTALA DOMINIQUE HAMPTON MISHAEL POWELL ALEX COOK ASA TURNER

JORDAN PERRYMAN

No. 3 No. 99 No. 91 No. 8 No. 2 No. 11 No. 7 No. 23 No. 5 No. 20 No. 1

JACK MCCALLISTER

PEYTON HENRY GRADY GROSS JADEN GREEN GILES JACKSON

Information courtesy from www. ourlads.com

No. 38 No. 47 No. 95 No. 89 No. 00

YEAR WR

POS

NATE KALEPO MATTEO MELE GEIREAN HATCHETT VICTOR CURNE JACK WESTOVER DYLAN MORRIS

TE QB RB WR

WR WR LT LG OC RG RT TE QB RB QB

RS SO JR/TR RS SO RS SO RS JR RS FR RS JR RS JR RS

SO RS SO RS FR

EDGE NT DT EDGE LB LB HUSKEY CB SS FS CB

SR/TR RS SO RS JR RS SO GR/TR RS SO RS JR RS SO RS SR JR SR/TR

PT/H PK/KO KO LS PR/KR

RS FR RS SR FR SO JR/TR

SAV’ELL SMALLS ULUMOO ALE VOI TUNUUFI ZION TUPUOLA-FETUI KRISTPHER MOLL CARSON BRUENER KAMREN FABICULANAN JAIVION GREEN TRISTAN DUNN MAKELL ESTEEN DAVON BANKS

SO RS JR SO RS JR GR/TR SO RS SO FR FR

FR

FR

POS YEAR PLAYER # POS YEAR

LS PR KR SR/TR

RS

OREGON VS. WASHINGTON 2022 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

The Ducks look to control their own destiny with a win against Washington.

BY LILY CRANE

No. 6 Oregon (8-1, 6-0) will take on the No. 24 Washington Huskies (7-2, 4-2) on Saturday at Autzen Stadium. It will be the eighth time both teams enter within the Associated Press Top 25 poll. The Ducks are coming off a dominant 49-10 win over Colorado last weekend.

Against Colorado, senior transfer quarterback Bo Nix had another Heisman-worthy performance. Nix joined Marcus Mariota and Joey Harrington as the only Oregon quarterbacks to have a passing, rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game. He had 308 total yards and his third straight game with five or more touchdowns.

Running back Bucky Irving’s touchdown pass to Nix was not the only trick play that Oregon offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham drew up last week. Backup offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. scored the first touchdown of the day and

Washington will be facing an Oregon offense that is comfortable scoring in various ways.

Washington is looking to extend its winning streak to four after beating Oregon State 24-21 last Friday. Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed the game-winning drive in the fourth quarter, which led to a 22-yard field goal by kicker Peyton Henry with eight seconds left. The Huskies will need to beat the Ducks on Saturday if they want a shot at making the conference title game.

Oregon enters Saturday’s game as the winner of 15 of its last 17 outings against Washington. It is the first time Autzen stadium will host the matchup since 2018.

With Oregon versus Wahington being one of the country’s most heated out-of-state rivalries,

a Saturday win is especially important to the Duck fanbase. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning expressed his excitement to experience the rivalry for the first time but said that preparation is no different than any other game.

Washington is the next opponent in a critical stretch for Oregon to end the season. The Ducks will look to extend their winning streak as they fight to make the College Football Playoff. With Tennessee, Clemson and Alabama all losing last weekend (previously No. 1, 4 and 6 in the CFP rankings), Oregon has the chance to control its destiny with three regular-season games left on the schedule.

Saturday’s game against Washington will air at 4 p.m. on FOX.

Ducks outside linebacker Mase Funa (45) tackles the Husky’s tailback Salvon Ahmed (26). Oregon Ducks Football takes on the University of Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Wash. on Oct. 19, 2019. (DL Young/Emerald)

Noah Sewell became the first Oregon linebacker since 1996 to score an offensive touchdown.

LOOKING AROUND THE

PAC-12: WEEK 10

A full 12 teams played this weekend. See who found victory and how.

BY BRADY RUTH • TWITTER @BRADYRUTH10

For the first time since week 5, a full slate of Pac-12 teams competed over the weekend. Each team in the Conference of Champions had another chance to prove their merit and push towards the Pac-12 championship in early December. Oregon, of course, slaughtered Colorado, but how did the rest of the conference fare?

other plans for the night. Williams threw for 360 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for a score; the Trojans’ offense found victory despite its lack of defense. They still moved up in the rankings, and No. 8 USC will host Colorado (1-8, 1-5 Pac-12) in wWeek 11.

WASHINGTON (7-2, 4-2 PAC-12)

USES

FOURTH QUARTER TO PUSH PAST NO. 23 OREGON STATE (6-3, 3-3 PAC-12) 24-21

In the most competitive game the Pac-12 had to offer on the weekend, it was the Huskies that took down the ranked Beavers in Seattle. Washington led for all of eight seconds in Friday night’s contest, but a last minute field goal secured the Huskies’ third straight win. The Washington offense that’s been so hot in 2022 sputtered, but the defense, which has had some struggles, came to play. It was a weirdly reversed game for Washington, but it was enough to secure its 10th win in its last 11 games with the Beavers. The win bumped them into the AP Top-25 at No. 24. The Huskies play No. 6 Oregon (8-1, 6-0 Pac-12) in Eugene next Saturday. Last week, Oregon State fans had thought they had found something in quarterback Ben Gulbranson. After Friday, it seems the Beavers still lack talent at their most crucial position. Gulbranson had just 87 passing yards against Washington, and his offense was only responsible for 262 total yards in the loss. Oregon State fought all year to be ranked. Once it finally happened, it really made a case to not touch the rankings for the rest of 2022. This is not a top 25 team. Oregon State hosts Cal (3-6, 1-5 Pac-12) next Saturday night.

NO. 9 USC (8-1, 6-1 PAC-12) WINS SURPRISING SHOOTOUT OVER CAL (3-6, 1-5 PAC-12)

The USC defense once again struggled on Saturday against an inferior opponent. If it weren’t for wide receiver Michael Jackson III’s 115 yards and two touchdowns, the Trojans may have shocked the country – and not in a good way. When USC clung to a single score lead in the fourth quarter, its playoff hopes almost slipped away. Almost. Quarterback Caleb Williams had

Quarterback Jack Plummer did nearly everything he could to take down the Trojans. His 406 passing yards just weren’t enough to overpower USC. The Golden Bears hung around with the Trojans much more than they did last week against No. 6 Oregon, but that’s just been Cal’s pattern in 2022. The Golden Bears keep games close, but they just can’t win. Cal has now lost five straight games. Perhaps a meeting against Oregon State (6-3, 3-3 Pac-12) can provide Cal with a much needed victory.

a good day. He only threw for 151 yards, but he didn’t need to do much in Utah’s seventh win of the season. The Utes dominated the ground game, rushing for 306 yards. They’re still in the running to defend their Pac-12 championship from last season, but they likely need to win out to do so. Utah plays Stanford (3-6, 1-6 Pac-12) next weekend as it hopes to gain momentum for its week 12 matchup against No. 6 Oregon, one that will make or break its chance at defending the Pac-12 title.

NO. 12 UCLA (8-1,

5-1

PAC-12) USES POWERFUL RUN GAME TO BEAT ARIZONA STATE (3-6,

2-4 PAC12) 50-36

No Zach Charbonnet? No problem. UCLA was without its top running back on Saturday, yet it still recorded its season high in points. Four Bruin rushers combined for 402 yards and five scores as they trampled the Sun Devils’ defense. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson threw an interception on the Bruins’ first play of the game, but he settled in, letting his running backs take over and sprint toward UCLA’s eighth win of the season. The Bruins host Arizona (3-6, 1-5 Pac12) at the Rose Bowl for its Week 11 matchup.

The Arizona State offense has come miles since firing Herm Edwards earlier in 2022. It hung with a highly ranked UCLA team on Saturday. It collected 468 total yards and was 2-2 on risky fourth down attempts. Unfortunately, it was the second best offense on the field. The Sun Devils’ defense refused to stop the Bruins’ offense and was responsible for yet another conference loss. Arizona State travels to Pullman, Washington, to play Washington State (5-4, 2-4 Pac-12) next week.

NO. 14 UTAH (7-2, 5-1 PAC-12) DOMINATES ARIZONA (3-6, 1-5 PAC-12) 45-20

The Utes had quarterback Cameron Rising back on Saturday, and once again the Utah offense had

Arizona couldn’t get out of its own way against the Utes. The Wildcats fumbled four times and couldn’t stop the Utah rush. It was a terrible recipe for success. Arizona has now lost six straight to the Utes. There is however, still an outside shot at a bowl game. All Arizona has to do is beat No. 9 UCLA (8-1, 5-1 Pac-12) next week, and then beat Washington State and Arizona State to close out the year. Highly unlikely.

WASHINGTON STATE (5-4, 2-4 PAC-12) TROUNCES STANFORD (3-6, 1-6 PAC-12) 52-14

It wasn’t No. 12 UCLA, No. 9 USC, No. 8 Oregon or No. 14 Utah that had the highest point total on Saturday. It was 4-4 Washington State, just like everyone predicted. But the star of Saturday’s contest was actually the Cougar defense. It forced four Stanford fumbles, one of which turned into a 17 yard scoop-and-score. Washington State scored 21 points off Cardinal turnovers – more than the Stanford offense could accumulate all game. The Cougars needed a win on Saturday, and on the back of their defense they got it. Washington State now sits one win away from becoming bowleligible. Arizona State (3-6, 2-4 Pac-12) is next on the schedule for the Cougars.

Stanford simply cannot find success in the Pac-12 in 2022. The Cardinal had 71 rushing yards against a team that came into the game with an abysmal 1-4 conference record. Truly a horrific performance by a bottom tier Pac-12 team. The Cardinal plays No. 13 Utah (7-2, 5-1 Pac-12) next week in a game that nobody is giving them any chance in.

Doug Koke prepares to ride his motorcycle out to kick off the show. Koke has been apart of this tradition for 23 year where he has lead the football team out on the field with his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Oregon hosts College Gameday bright and early on the Lillis lawn October 22, 2022 before their game against no.9 UCLA. (Liam Sherry/Daily Emerald)

HARD WORK PAYS OFF THIS SEASON FOR TROY FRANKLIN

The Wide Receiver has had a show-stopping season

BY KEIJI PATTERSON • TWITTER @PATTERSON_KEIJI

His name is Troy Franklin. He wears No. 11 and is a true sophomore out of East Palo Alto, California.

Franklin blew kisses to the silenced crowd in Pullman, Washington, as he celebrated his electric score. After catching a 24 yard post route from the slot, Franklin exhibited his improved contact balance by staying on his toes and sprinting 26 yards to the endzone to cap off the No. 6 Oregon Ducks’ (8-1, 6-0) resurgent comeback win against the Washington State Cougars in week 4.

That play signified Franklin’s coming out party as he flexed his strength and determination by breaking the defender’s tackle and sprinting to the endzone.

Franklin’s 50 yard touchdown reception silenced the raucous crowd in Pullman, and brought his game total to five receptions for 137 yards and one touchdown.

That was his first time eclipsing 100 receiving

yards this season and his collegiate career. He did it again in a top-10 matchup during week 8.

It’s evident he put in work this off-season to get to this level, but it goes back to the drive he had in highschool.

Franklin’s production and success have his supporters on notice, but it comes as no surprise to his high school coaches Adhir Ravipati and Chris Saunders, who lauded

his work ethic. They witnessed Franklin’s drive for success firsthand.

Saunders was his senior year coach and remains the current head coach of Franklin’s high school, Menlo Atherton. Ravipati has known Franklin since the wideout was an eighth grader, and coached him at Menlo Atherton until Saunders took over in 2020.

Coach Ravipati recalled a time that he and Franklin were driving to a workout and Franklin asked what it meant to be a 5-star recruit.

“I remember there was one time he and I were in a car and we were driving to a workout, and on our way he asked me what does it mean to be a 5-star recruit,” Ravipati said. “I remember him looking at me and kind of going like, ‘But coach I have so much more I need to work on, and I have so much more I can get better at.’ I think that’s the thing that differentiates and makes him great, right?”

Ravipati added that this memory has stuck

Ducks sophomore wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) leaps to catch a ball with Cougar defense right behind. University of Oregon Ducks Football defeat the BYU Cougars in a home match at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Sep. 17, 2022. (Maddie Stellingwerf/ Emerald)

Troy Franklin (11) jogs back to the line of scrimmage after an incomplete pass. The Oregon Football team competes in it’s annual spring game on April 23rd, 2022 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)

with him as it defines Franklin’s drive to grow despite being a highly rated 4 and 5-star recruit by recruiting site metrics.

“A lot of people find out they’re a 5-star recruit, and they talk about how good they are,” Ravipati said. “For him, he was like, ‘I have so much room to grow and get better,’ I think it just shows the type of drive that he had.”

Coach Saunders reminisced on his time with his former star pupil.

“Pretty dang good, he’s always been a grinder you know; he’s always been a technician… He was always asking questions about how to do it,” Saunders said. “He definitely had a maturity that really supported his work ethic… is probably a big reason why he’s in this position that he’s in as a true sophomore.”

Franklin is the19th-best recruit and third-ranked receiver on the Ducks’ all-time commitment list.

However, his freshman season didn’t go as planned. He recorded a modest 18 catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns in an offense that didn’t consistently target receivers downfield.

Back with a vengeance in 2022, Franklin vied to improve his game in all facets so he could make the contributions he’s displayed this season.

“Yeah, I’ve definitely added some weight. That’s one of the things that I’ve worked on; I feel like it’ll help my game a lot,” Franklin said. “It’s helped my game a lot being kind of a smaller guy going up against bigger DBs who use their strength… Just staying on my red line or whatever the case is, just helps with running routes.”

Franklin added that he prioritized his mental toughness this offseason to improve his game.

“My mental game, staying strong in the mental game. If I’m messing up on a play, flush it and

get to the next one,” Franklin said at a press conference prior to the 2022 Spring Game. “Trying to fight through all that stuff, definitely being stronger this time around is a big thing for me.”

Even more impressively, Franklin has shown strong rapport in his first year with starting quarterback Bo Nix; you would think the duo played together their whole lives.

Their chemistry has been on full display in Oregon’s biggest moments this season.

During a media session prior to the Ducks’ recent game against the Colorado Buffaloes, Nix chimed in on Franklin’s emergence.

“I mean he’s really good. He’s one of the top in the nation; he just continues to grow and gain experience. A guy like that, the more he sees the more he develops the better he’s going to be, and Troy’s starting to figure it out and starting to play really, really well,” Nix said. “He’s done that for us all year, whenever we need him he’s always there; we can scheme him up in ways, but he also finds ways to get himself open.”

On top of spending quality time in the weight room and kitchen this offseason, Franklin attributed his development to competition with another new Ducks teammate, lockdown cornerback, Colorado transfer Christian Gonzalez.

“It prepares me a lot, I definitely think Gonzo’s one of the best corners in the conference, if not college football,” Franklin said. “Working with the best every day just gives me the confidence to go out there and know that no one else can mess with me, that I’m going against the best every day.”

In week eight, Franklin ran all over the No. 9 UCLA Bruins’ defensive backfield. He posted the first multiple touchdown game of his college career while he caught eight passes for 132 yards

and two touchdowns, building off his breakout play versus the Cougars.

The Bruins had no solution to their Franklin problem.

Franklin’s breakout season has been something Duck fans have been waiting for since he committed to his “dream school” June 12, 2020.

“Oregon was always my dream school. Cristobal did a great job recruiting me. I really liked him and Bryan McClendon, my old receiver coach,” Franklin said at a press conference.

Franklin leads the Ducks in every receiving related statistic with 39 receptions, 636 yards and five touchdowns. He’s on pace to join the likes of former Ducks Dillon Mitchell, Byron Marshall and Josh Huff as 1,000 yard receivers in the last decade.

With last season in the rearview and new career bests for Franklin already in the record books, the future will be a sight to see.

“I think the sky’s the limit for him, whether it’s a Biletnikoff or whether it’s the NFL,” Ravipati said. “He has a lot of abilities that you just don’t see in people naturally; I mean a kid for his height, length, to have the type of one-step acceleration that he has and his ability to attack the football, he does a lot of things that you can’t teach, frankly.”

There’s no doubting Franklin’s ability. He’s made countless contested catches and displayed superb body control this season. He has a wiry 6-foot-3, 178 pound frame that can continue to add muscle, which will only make him more of a lethal wideout.

Troy Franklin (11) catches a ball to score a touchdown for Oregon. The University of Oregon Ducks defeated the University of Colorado Buffaloes 52-29 at Autzen Stadium on October 30, 2021. (Will Geschke/Emerald)

HEISEN: OREGON FOOTBALL SLAMS

COLORADO THANKS TO A SLEW OF TRICK PLAYS

After Josh Conerly found paydirt, the Ducks never looked back building a 39 point victory.

BY AARON HEISEN • TWITTER @AARON_HEISEN

If Bo Nix keeps this up, he may trick the Carolina Panthers into burning a day-one draft pick on him. And you know what? Offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham might just follow him there.

I wouldn’t put it past the dismal franchise, which was finessed by Joe Brady and Sam Darnold for the past two years. Seriously, though, Nix completed the triple crown of a rushing, passing and receiving touchdown on Saturday, just as the Panthers’ former running back Christian McCafferey did in his first start on the San Francisco 49ers last weekend.

The Panthers They may believe they need that firepower in their life after McCafferey’s departure, and who better to call plays than the ringmaster who drew them all up. Dillingham reached deep into his bag of tricks, on Saturday, as the No. 6 Oregon Ducks (8-1, 6-0) trounced the Colorado Buffaloes (1-8, 1-5) 49-10.

Nix, and many others, benefitted from Dillingham’s play calling. The senior quarterback etched his name into the Ducks’ history books in yet another way on Saturday — a phenomenon that fans and his coaching staff have grown accustomed to during the Ducks’ eight-game win streak.

“Bo did what we expected him to do,” Lanning said. “He has set a standard for himself now.”

His performance began with one of those aforementioned trick plays. On first-and-goal from the 4- yard -line, the Ducks lined up in what’s become their patented short yard formation: “the big-boy package.” However, instead of pounding it up the middle, Nix faked the handoff to Jordan James, while offensive lineman Josh Conerly leaked out into the end zone. Nix’s toss fell right into Conerly’s hands to put them up 7-0.

It wasn’t the original play, but Nix had confidence in his teammates knowing they had practiced it earlier in the week.

“It was kind of close, but the linebacker was playing inside, eyes in the backfield, and I knew he was going to be run flow, and we also did a good job with kind of hiding Josh,” Nix said. “I didn’t know he was that athletic but he showed it off today.”

The bamboozling didn’t stop there.

The Ducks pushed it down the field on their next drive, and Nix found the end zone again. This time, however, he was on the receiving end of the score. He took the snap and, flipped the ball to running back Bucky Irving, who threw it right back to a streaking Nix. Hopefully, for the Buffaloes, their

receivers took note of Nix’s over-the-shoulder catch. They could use the lesson.

On the Ducks’ third offensive possession, the Colorado defense actually showed some life. It They stuffed Oregon on first-and-goal, forcing the Ducks to turn to one of their defensive players to push the ball past the plane.

Linebacker Noah Sewell took the carry from the fullback position and bowled his way in for his first touchdown of the season. The Ducks barely broke a sweat as they made it a three-score game.

It took until the 12:17 mark of the second quarter for any sort of challenge. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez and safety Steve Stevens got beat deep as wide receiver Jordyn Tyson hauled in an 81-yard grab for the Buffaloes’ sole touchdown of the afternoon.

Gonzalez, who transferred to Oregon from Colorado before this season, was seeking a revenge game. It didn’t start off on the right foot, but. However, in the second half, he showed his former team he made a good decisionwhy his decision to leave has become an advantageous one.

The sophomore transfer stepped in front of a

pass from former teammate J.T. Shrout early in the third quarter. After the pick, he tip-toed down the sideline and found his way to the two yard-line, setting up another Oregon touchdown.

“I had eyes on the quarterback and saw it was kind of a bobbled snap and receivers are taught to just go,” Gonzalez said. “So I knew that was going to come and it did.”

Gonzalez’s intuition turned into another pick on the following drive. This time, he tracked the ball from the middle of the field and made a leaping grab.

The Ducks rarely struggled on Saturday — not that they should have found many obstacles — as they blew out Colorado. Oregon will look to keep its CFP Playoff hopes alive after receiving help in the form of another Alabama loss and Clemson’s first defeat. They face Washington (7-2, 4-2) in Autzen Stadium, on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Coach Dan Lanning leaving the crowd after his interview as part of College Gameday. Oregon hosts College Gameday bright and early on the Lillis lawn October 22, 2022 before their game against no.9 UCLA. (Liam Sherry/Daily Emerald)

RUTH: THE EXPERIENCE OF A VISITING SECTION FOR AN OREGON FOOTBALL GAME

RUTH: THE EXPERIENCE OF A VISITING SECTION FOR AN OREGON FOOTBALL GAME

From the stands of Folsom Field, I experienced the thrill of a 49-10 road win over Colorado

BY BRADY RUTH • TWITTER @BRADYRUTH10

As the Buffaloes’ fans fled out of Folsom Field, the visiting section only got louder. By the end of the third quarter, when No. 6 Oregon (8-1, 6-0) led Colorado (1-8, 1-4 Pac-12) 42-10, it almost seemed like a Duck home game. Almost.

When Christian Gonzalez, the Colorado transfer, secured his second interception of the day, Oregon fans overpowered Folsom Field — mirroring the Ducks’ dominance on the field.

It seemed to be adding salt to Colorado’s wound that Gonzalez would have a career day against his former team. He led the Ducks onto the field in pregame, and he kept Colorado’s offense guessing all day.

The Buffs were confused on defense too – especially early on. Oregon offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham made sure of it. The first three touchdowns the Ducks scored were unconventional.

It was these first three scores – along with Gonzalez’s two interceptions – that stood out as the defining moments of the latest chapter of the 2022 Ducks’ story.

Oregon’s first score was a big-man touchdown reception from quarterback Bo Nix to offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. The freshman caught the Buffaloes’ defense off guard when he secured. Saturday also just happened to be his birthday.

Oregon’s second drive of the game resulted in its second touchdown. This time, it was Nix on the receiving end of a Bucky Irving touchdown pass. The home fans were in a quiet shock, the visitors thundered with awe.

It seemed almost as if the Ducks were toying with Colorado after Noah Sewell appeared in the Oregon backfield to punch in its third score on three drives.

And just like that, life was sucked out of Folsom Field, and into the visiting section.

It was the first Duck game I’ve been able to attend as a fan this season.

From the familiar comfort of the visiting section, I was truly able to embrace the excitement that watching this offense brings.

One fan beside me was constantly repeating “Bo Nix is having fun.” It appeared the entire Oregon team was enjoying itself on Saturday for its eighth straight win.

The Ducks’ national fame was evident in that away section in Boulder. I spoke to Oregon fans from Kansas City, Nebraska and, of course, Eugene who all made the trip to watch their Ducks. Some were thrilled just to be able to watch a game in-person. Others were content just seeing Oregon play in a different setting.

Alternate stadium, but same offense. Nix accomplished the trifecta of touchdowns. He threw for two, rushed for two and hauled one in as Oregon scored over 40 points for an eighth straight game.

After each kickoff, Bryce Boettcher and other members of Oregon’s kickoff team would rush down to the corner of Folsom Field that Duck fans took over, wave their arms, shout and get the fans ecstatic. Boettcher, too, was having fun.

The only critiques from the fans surrounding me were about the lack of a pass rush from the Ducks’ defense. Honestly, the fans weren’t wrong. Colorado quarterback J.T. Shrout wasn’t sacked once, and he rarely was under pressure in his backfield.

Turns out it didn’t matter. The game was over before Oregon stepped off the plane in Boulder.

The Oregon defense seemed to have a “bend don’t break” mantra on Saturday, and it worked. Colorado was able to have more success moving the ball down the field than it had demonstrated in most of its games this season, but it rarely resulted in points.

The only bright moment for Colorado was Shrout’s 81-yard touchdown pass to Jordyn Tyson in the second quarter. At that moment, Folsom Field was loud. Buff fans seemed to have a glimmer of hope… or delusion.

It was exciting to watch a game outside of Autzen, and it was refreshing to see the Ducks continuing to dominate on the road. Throughout the entire game, hopeful conversation of a potential playoff berth engulfed section 103. If Oregon’s play calling continues to be unpredictable, efficient and effective, these hopes could become reality.

Duck fans migrated to Boulder for the weekend. They were greeted by an Oregon stampede over the not-somighty Buffaloes. It doesn’t seem to matter where this team plays; they’re going to succeed regardless.

Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) carries the ball on a drive. Oregon Ducks take on the UCLA Bruins at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Oct. 22, 2022. (Ali Watson/Emerald)

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DISSECTING COLORADO’S TOP OPTIONS FOR THEIR HEAD COACH VACANCY

With

the Buffaloes sitting at 1-8, it’s time to look toward the future.

BY JACK AARON • TWITTER @JACKMAARON

By all accounts, Colorado has endured a long and difficult football season. Through eight games, the Buffaloes have only managed one win, beating Cal in overtime. There’s been little to brag about this year, but the excitement for the future remains. An integral part of that future will begin once Colorado decides who will lead its program from a state of anguish to admirability. There are plenty of hot candidates to choose from, including those dismissed from previous NFL or NCAA head coaching jobs. Colorado lost this past Saturday to No. 6 Oregon, 49-10.

MATT RHULE

Although Rhule’s debut at the Carolina Panthers didn’t go as planned, he’s still a proven head coach at the college level. He specializes in rebuilding programs from the bottom up –– exactly what the Buffaloes need at this point. Rhule spent his early coaching career as an assistant at Temple before a brief call-up from Tom Coughlin to coach the Giants in 2012. He returned the year after to become Temple’s 26th head coach. In his first season taking over for Steve Addazio, Rhule only managed a 2-10 record. However, Rhule built a positive foundation which began to show. The Owls improved to 6-6 in 2014, and 10-4 (7-1 in conference) the next year. 2015 saw Rhule score his signature 27-10 win against his alma mater

Penn State. He received high interest from Power 5 schools and decided to test his luck at Baylor. The Bears had arguably the worst situation of any Division 1 team because of multiple Title IX violations, leading the program to be sanctioned.

Rhule took over a program fresh off a 1-11 season and made the most of it. Fast forward a few years, and Rhule had the Bears in contention to win the Big 12 with an 11-1 record. He then washed out with the Panthers, but he should return to the college ranks.

BRYAN HARSIN

It was only a couple of coaching cycles ago when Bryan Harsin’s name was among the hottest on the market. Through seven years at Boise State, Harsin went 64-17 after taking over for Gus Malzhan. Harsin consistently had the Broncos in the top 25, making them known as one of the best non-Power 5 teams while he was there. Harsin led Boise State to five double-digit win seasons in 2014 and 2016-2019. The highlight of his time in Boise came in the 2014 season when the 12win Broncos team beat Arizona in the Fiesta Bowl 38-30. Harsin would depart after the 2020 COVID season to become Auburn’s 27th head coach. It was in Auburn where he would encounter his greatest challenges yet. He let go of both coordinators Mike Bobo and Derek Mason, which proved to be

regrettable. The team became so unstable it nearly mutinied against him. Harsin finished with a 9-12 record and failed to accomplish much of anything. Harsin should get the opportunity to rebuild his reputation, and Boulder would be a great place to do that with his familiarity of the region.

KENNY DILLINGHAM

Dillingham has firmly gotten the attention of programs seeking a promising offensive mind to guide their program into the future. He’s a massive reason why Oregon’s offense has been humming –– and why Bo Nix is starting to creep into the Heisman conversation. Nix is playing more consistently than ever and the stats represent that. Since Dillingham arrived in Eugene, the Ducks’ offense has averaged 42.4 points and 525.8 total yards of offense per game. Those are the numbers of an elite system. Dillingham has bounced around the college football ranks and has coached under great minds like Gus Malzhan, Mike Norvell and others. He’s worked as an assistant for Memphis, Auburn (Where he coached Nix), and Florida State briefly. Dillingham currently serves as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Oregon. Although he doesn’t have head coaching experience, Boulder would be smart to give him his first crack at it.

Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Shay Fields (5) and Colorado Buffaloes fullback Jordan Murphy (33) celebrate Fields’ touchdown during the second quarter. The Oregon Ducks play the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, on October 3, 2015. (Taylor Wilder/Emerald)