OREGON ROLLS INTO THE BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP WITH ITS BIGGEST ADVANTAGE YET: A BREAK
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(On The Cover) Terrance Ferguson (3) runs down the field with the ball. The Oregon Ducks football team took on the Washington State Cougars on Oct. 21, 2023, in Eugene.
(Molly McPherson/ Emerald)
(Right) Jordan Burch (1) pulls down Demond Williams Jr. (2) for a tackle. No. 1 Oregon defeated Washington 49-21 for an undefeated regular season at Autzen Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024.
(Alyssa Garcia/Emerald)
OREGON VS. PENN STATE PREVIEW
BY JACK LAZARUS Sports Associate Editor
After rivalry week claimed two of last week’s Top 10 teams as casualties, the conference championship picture drastically changed. Most importantly, the lowly, 7-5 Michigan Wolverines knocked off the then-No. 2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in the latest iteration of “The Game.”
Because of that shocking upset, Oregon, who was all but penciled-in to take on Ohio State in this weekend’s Big Ten Championship, now faces the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions in Indianapolis on Saturday.
The Nittany Lions secured their spot by winning their last four games, which all came after Penn State’s sole loss of the season against Ohio State. Much can be said about the lack of strength in Penn State’s schedule, but the Nittany Lions do have the 36th ranked strength of schedule, while the No. 1 Ducks hold just the 60th strongest.
Penn State outscored its opponents 154-48 in its last four games, so the Nittany Lions are coming into the conference championship game hot.
The team is led by quarterback Drew Allar, who remained towards the top end of Big Ten quarterbacking statistics throughout the season. Allar tallied 2668 passing yards (sixth best in Big Ten), 18 touchdowns (fifth) and completed 71.6% of his passes (third, fifth best nationally).
The offense is spearheaded by the two-headed rushing monster of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, who rank 11th and 12th, respectively in the Big Ten with 751 and 698 rushing yards. Penn State’s running game ranks second in the Big Ten with 194.7 yards per game. The Ducks
allow just 112.3 rushing yards per game, and the Nittany Lions’ ground attack will be the best Oregon has faced this season.
The passing game is nothing to balk at, however. Although Penn State ranks seventh in the conference in passing, it is led by one of the nation’s best tight ends in Tyler Warren. Warren played a plethora of positions throughout the season, but he ranks second amongst TEs in receiving yards (978), third in receptions (81) and tied for fourth in touchdowns with six. Last week against Maryland, Warren became the Big Ten Conference’s all-time leader in receptions by a tight end.
Penn State’s success comes primarily from the strength of its defense, which ranks third in the Big Ten in total defense (266.8 yards per game) and fourth in the nation in the same category. The group is led by one of the top NFL prospects in the upcoming draft, edge rusher Abdul Carter.
Carter ranks third in the country with 19.5 tackles for loss, and 10 of those came from quarterback sacks. The Oregon offensive line will have its hands full containing one of the conference’s finest defensive units, but the Ducks’ offense has a lot to say for itself.
Oregon ranks third in the Big Ten in scoring with 35.2 points per game and second in total offense with 277.6 yards per game, so the elite Penn State defense will also
The Big Ten title is on the line between the undefeated No. 1 Oregon Ducks and the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions
have its hands full.
Saturday’s Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, brings together one of the nation’s finest defenses with an offense which has yet to be stopped sufficiently this season. Penn State and head coach James Franklin will bring theirits hard-nosed defensive approach to Indiana to take on Oregon and head coach Dan Lanning’s electric offensive scheme.
The winner of the Big Ten will almost certainly secure one of the top seeds in the College Football Playoff, earning the closest thing to home field advantage that this new format can offer, which includes the choice of venues for playoff contests.
The No. 1 seed is on the line Saturday, and you won’t want to miss it.
(BELOW) The previously No. 3 ranked Oregon Ducks football team took on the previously No. 2 ranked Ohio State University Buckeyes on Oct. 12, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.
(Molly McPherson/Emerald)
A history of the Big Ten Championship Game
Oregon will look to begin its legacy in the Big Ten on Saturday
BY LILY CRANE Sports Reporter
Indianapolis, Indiana is where No. 1 Oregon (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten) can officially etch its name into the Big Ten history books.
But the championship game the Ducks prepare to play in has its own storied history.
The first Big Ten Championship game was held in 2011. There were only 11 members of the Big Ten prior to that season, compared to the overwhelming 18 universities that fill the conference today.
Wisconsin won the inaugural game against Michigan State 42-39. The future Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson threw three touchdown passes to win the first Big Ten Championship MVP award. A quarterback has won the award in seven of the 13 games, but it’s been a non-quarterback who’s won the last four times.
Before 2011, the conference champion was determined by who had the best regular season record. The Badgers also won the first-ever regular season title all the way back in 1896.
Michigan and Ohio State have historically dominated the conference in football. The two own the most regular season titles by far since the conference formed with 45 and 39 respectively. The Ohio State Buckeyes have the most Big Ten Championship game wins overall with five while the Michigan Wolverines have won the last three.
For the first time since 2017, it won’t be Ohio State or Michigan winning the conference title. Typically, the winner of the Ohio State versus Michigan rivalry clash goes on to the title game. With the Wolverines having a less successful season than usual but still upsetting the Buckeyes 13-10 last weekend, neither will make the trip to Indiana.
No. 3 Penn State (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten) will instead be the Ducks’ opponent. The Nittany Lions have won the conference championship in their only other appearance in the title game. That was back in 2016 when they defeated Wisconsin 38-31.
The Pac-12, just like the Big Ten, started its championship game in 2011. From 2011 to 2023, Oregon had the most appearances — six, which is the same as the Buckeyes and the Badgers – who are tied for the most in the Big Ten Championship. The Ducks also had the most Pac-12 Championship wins in that time frame with four overall.
Oregon ruled the Pac-12, but now has the opportunity to start a legacy in a new conference on Saturday.
In recent history, the winner of the Big Ten Championship has gone on to have success in the College Football Playoffs. The Wolverines are the most recent example, winning the National Championship last season. The Buckeyes also won both the conference title and national title in 2014 when it beat Oregon in the National Championship.
From 2019 to 2022, the winner of the game either lost in a CFP semifinal or final.
The Big Ten Championship seems to be a good omen for the CFP. The Ducks accomplished their first perfect regular season since 2010 — but the real work is just getting started.
A win on Saturday would put Oregon in the CFP quarterfinals and check the next box on its way to a desired National Championship victory.
OREGON SEEKING SPEED AHEAD OF EARLY SIGNING DAY
The Ducks are looking to land five-star recruits with track speed
BY BECK PARSONS Sports Reporter
change first graf to: Oregon’s 2025 recruiting class is currently ranked the nation’s seventhbest by 247Sports. The Ducks currently have 17 commitments, though that number is sure to change during the Early Signing Day window, which spans from Dec. 4 to Dec. 6.
Oregon’s slated to bring in some serious speed, including four five-star recruits with track backgrounds. This is a look at where Oregon stands with those four speedsters.
Dakorien Moore - Wide Receiver, Duncanville High School (Duncanville, TX)
There are 13 recruits, including one receiver, rated as five-star prospects by all four major recruiting sites (247Sports, On3, ESPN and Rivals). That receiver is Duncanville superstar Dakorien Moore, who recorded 71 catches for 1523 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior in 2023. Standing 5-foot-11 and 182 pounds, Moore has continued to impress through 12 games as a senior.
He performed incredibly against fellow Texas powerhouse DeSoto this October, taking nine catches for 230 yards and four touchdowns. Moore’s track star speed (10.40s 100m, 21.70s 200m as a junior) and dangerous elusiveness caused 247Sports analyst Gabe Brooks to project him as a future first-round NFL Draft pick.
Moore officially shut down his commitment on Nov. 21 and is poised to become Oregon’s second-highest rated recruit of all time (0.9982 on 247Sports Composite) behind only Kayvon Thibodeaux (0.9987 in 2019).
Dallas Wilson - Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay Tech High School (Tampa, FL)
Dallas Wilson is rated a five-star prospect by 247Sports (0.9883 Composite), which ranks him the No. 3 receiver and No. 3 recruit from Florida. According to 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins, Wilson “should be viewed as one of the top pass catchers in the 2025 cycle given his big-play capabilities and rare physical features.” Wilson, whose 6-foot3 frame makes him a dangerous downfield target, has been committed to the Ducks since January
2023. However, the high school track star (11.00s 100m) recently took two consecutive visits with the University of Florida Gators (7-5, 4-4 SEC).
Trey McNutt - Safety, Shaker Heights High School (Cleveland, OH)
Trey McNutt’s five-star 247Sports ranking (0.9860 Composite) sees him ranked the nation’s No. 2 safety and the No. 2 player in Ohio. McNutt has the versatility and athleticism required to play over the top, down closer to the box or even at nickelback. His ability as a sprinter (10.82s 100m and 21.77s 200m as a sophomore) makes him an even more appealing prospect. McNutt, who committed to Oregon in August, was in attendance for the team’s recent 49-21 domination of Washington (6-6, 4-5 SEC) and looks ready to make big plays as a Duck.
Brandon Finney - Cornerback, McDonogh School (Owings Mills, MD)
Brandon Finney, who’s ranked as a five-star by 247 Sports (98 rating on 247Sports), represents a dangerous blend of athleticism and top speed on the outside. At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Finney boasts an impressive 11-foot broad jump and track speed (10.85s 100m, 21.84s 200m) to match.
He recorded three interceptions as a junior and has picked off another four passes this season. According to 247Sports’ Hudson Standish, Finney’s “combination of physical and athletic traits allows him to bully receivers of all shapes and sizes as a press-man corner.”
Though Finney committed to Oregon in June of this year, he’s been heavily linked to Penn State, where he took a midseason visit. However, Finney was back in Eugene during the Ducks’ recent Week 13 bye. It appears Oregon vs. Penn State, who will meet in Dec. 7’s Big Ten Championship Game, will also be battling on the recruiting trail this December.
(ABOVE) Head coach Dan Lanning leads his team around Autzen. University of Oregon took on Michigan State University at Autzen Stadium in Eugene on Oct. 4, 2024. (Eddie Bruning/ Emerald)
At halftime, No. 1 Oregon takes the lead over Washington 28-14 in their last regular season game at Autzen Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alyssa Garcia/Emerald)
PERFECT TIMING
The Ducks are rested and ready for their biggest game yet after a break at a key moment
BY OWEN MURRAY Sports Reporter
A slim smile escaped Dan Lanning’s lips as the thirdyear head coach sat in front of the media after No. 1 Oregon (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten) waltzed through a 49-21 Senior Night beatdown of the Washington Huskies.
“We’ve said it several times,” Lanning said. “[It’s] being able to play our best ball at the end of the season when it matters most. I think everybody can recognize that college football is hard. It’s tough to be resilient and consistent and win some tight games. I think that really shows some of the character of our team.”
When Oregon walked out of Camp Randall Stadium after playing the Wisconsin Badgers two weeks ago, it was one of those tight games. It didn’t have some of the players who were linchpins of the Ducks’ success. It didn’t matter. Oregon prevailed.
After eight weeks of punishing football, Oregon was finally afforded the opportunity to manage
nity against Washington.
On Friday, the Ducks board their flight to Indianapolis as beneficiaries of a well-timed break. They will roll into Lucas Oil Stadium refreshed, recharged and ready for a postseason that will test their limits.
The difference? Opponents Penn State (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten) are what Oregon was two weeks ago: Six weeks on from its bye, banged up and hurting. The No. 3 Nittany Lions are missing tackle Anthony Donkoh. Quarterback Drew Allar (18 TD, 5 INT) has been banged up all year. Yes, they held Ohio State to just 20 points (the Ducks allowed them 31) in a top-five loss in State College, but they’re not healthy, nor rested. Oregon is.
Notably, the winner of Saturday’s matchup is granted yet another break. The loser will likely claim the No. 5 seed in the final College Football Playoff poll and host a Round 1 game two weeks later.
Meanwhile, the champion will almost certainly be awarded the No. 1 or No. 2 seeds and the first-round bye that comes with it. They won’t play until Dec. 31, at the earliest — an
off-caliber opponents — punishing games like the ones these teams have learned to endure. The healthiest team often wins. Defensive end Jordan Burch was part of an school-record-tying 10 sack performance against Washington. Oregon’s star pass-rusher suffered an injury in practice ahead of Oregon’s win over Ohio State and slipped in and out of the trainer’s room down the stretch. The Ducks replaced him with ample production from second-year edges Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti (10.5 and 5.5 sacks in 2024, respectively), but Burch’s full return was long-awaited. He showed up on Saturday night to the tune of 2.5 sacks and three tackles. He ranks fourth in the conference, with 8.5 on the season. No other player in the top 33 has played fewer than 10 games — Burch played in eight.
For a team rolling off an undefeated season of football, about to play more games than any have in the modern playoff era, the break is invaluable. The national champion will end the year on a run of at least four matchups with play-
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I've got full confidence in what they can do, and it all came together tonight.
Jordan Burch, UO Defensive End
“It felt amazing to be back out with my teammates,” the senior said afterward. “Being hurt and just watching them play — it hurts you deep down. I’ve got full confidence in what they can do, and it all came together tonight.”
The value of getting those players back cannot be overstated. The Ducks’ signature win this year came without Burch and without Gary Bryant Jr. They’ve won without Tez Johnson, without Marcus Harper II and without Terrance Ferguson. All will likely play in Indianapolis. That matters.
The break matters just as much. Mentally and physically, it’s a chance to reset. Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel believes it. He was without his best weapon, Johnson, since the junior exited Oregon’s win over Michigan in the first quarter. The senior receiver returned to action against the Huskies. Without Johnson, Gabriel averaged 231 passing yards per game and a 67.76% completion rate. It’s well below his average in games featuring Johnson: 286 passing yards and a 75.69% completion percentage.
Two of those games are in Gabriel’s bottom three for completion percentage this season (the outlier, at Wisconsin, ranks No. 6), and just one of the four touchdown passes he threw went for more than nine yards. Johnson’s ability to take the top off defenses (he has touchdown receptions for 52, 48 and 31 yards among his nine scores this season) is invaluable to an Oregon group that values its “haymaker” just as much as its “jab” — terms Lanning used in a recap video released by the program.
“It’s good,” Gabriel said, “I think more than playing. I think it helps with overall morale — his lively energy [too]. You get the ball in his hands and there’s a lot that comes with that, but we love Tez. We need him. He’s a big part of what we do.”
The two were reunited at Autzen Stadium last weekend to the tune of three connections for 36 yards and a score. As time expired, Johnson stood behind the line — and suddenly, inverted. The receiver on a comeback mission was doing backflips. The worries evaporated.
He played his time on the sideline down after the game with a smirk.
“It wasn’t nothing,” he said. “A little veteran’s break. I’m back now.”
That’s what Oregon just got. A little veteran’s break for one of the most experienced, rested and dangerous teams in college football.
They’re back now. It’s time to go.
(LEFT) Tight ends Patrick Herbert (88) and Terrance Ferguson (3) celebrate an exciting two-point conversion. The Oregon Ducks took on the UCLA Bruins in its first Big Ten Conference game in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA on Sept. 28, 2024. (Jonathan Suni/Emerald)
AN UNDEFEATED IMPERFECTION
What’s the value of the Ducks’ less-dominant wins?
BY JOE KRASNOWSKI Sports Reporter
It seemed, at first, like an odd fit. A West Coast power, known for its flash, paired with a conference known for its bulk and corn-fed brawn. A year of questions about toughness and physicality from the rest of the Big Ten had suggested as much about Oregon, which, outside of the Dan Lanning era, hadn't offered much reason to believe they belonged in the premier old-school football conference.
But never had the preseason doubt in Oregon felt so misplaced as it did last Saturday, when the Ducks rolled over Washington and punched their second perfect regular season in program history.
However, there’s a sentiment around these parts that makes this year even more special. Oregon is 12-0 and there’s still room for these Ducks to improve.
Take last year for example. Head coach Dan Lanning’s team was unbelievably talented, yes. However, it didn’t have the same close-game experience (on the winning side) as this year's squad does. In 2023, Oregon won conference games by point differentials of 36, 36, 14, 29, 44, 9, 36 and 24, ending the regular season largely unchallenged. Oregon went on to lose one of its rare tightly-knit games — ending its championship aspirations.
In 2024, however, the Ducks have carried a
about a team knowing how to persevere despite a somewhat lackluster performance.
Save the tight-rope win over Wisconsin and the nail-biter over Ohio State, the Ducks were largely dominant in their remaining contests. However, the experience of going on the road to a hostile environment and winning a tight game is something Lanning expects to pay off going forward.
“We can handle critical moments,” Lanning said after Oregon’s three-point win over Wisconsin. “We can handle when it's tough, and at some point, that experience is going to pay off for us.”
With Washington and Michigan (two teams that had a combined 10 one-score game wins last season) paving their path to a National Championship Game bid a year ago, there’s a hope that those same DNA traits established in big games will pay off for the Ducks as the competition gets fiercer.
“I think the best part is we haven’t really talked about it,” quarterback Dillon Gabriel said of the win over the Huskies. “We’re just so present and that’s hard to do. It's very easy for us to look forward to the future. But, you know, we’ve just been living in a time where tomorrow’s fiction. Tomorrow is not real in our books. We’re just focused right where we’re at.”
The Ducks are the only undefeated team left and a shoo-in for the College Football Playoff regardless of the result of their Big Ten Championship
SILENCING THROUGH SACKS
The Ducks’ defense pulled off a 10-sack performance for the first time in 20 years
BY BRADY RUTH Sports Editor
Last Saturday, Oregon football became synonymous with the word “perfection.”
There are many numbers that could jump off the page from the 49-21 win over Washington (66, 4-5 Big Ten). For instance, the Ducks are 12-0 for just the second time in program history. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw for 209 yards on 16/23 passing and tied Bo Nix for most FBS starts with 61.
Jordan James tied Marcus Mariota for sixth all-time in program history in rushing touchdowns while recording a rushing score in his 10th different game this season. It was truly a historic day.
But, perhaps the most dominant stat came from the Oregon defensive unit. The defense did something that no Ducks defense had done in 20 years: record double-digit sacks.
The Oregon defensive line should be charged rent for how much time it spent in the Washington backfield. Along with the 10 sacks, Oregon recorded 16 tackles for losses, one QB hurry and forced a fumble that led directly to points.
Jordan Burch led the defense with 2.5 sacks, bringing his season total up to 8.5. Matayo Uiagalelei was right behind him with two sacks of his own, getting up to 10.5 on the season: a milestone for the sophomore.
“He’s pretty good, isn’t he,” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said of Uiagalelei. “I think the guy plays with relentless effort, and that’s one of the pieces that we talked about developing: that killer instinct. Matayo is showing that killer instinct right now. He’s become one of the hardest guys in college football to block.”
Teitum Tuioti had a career-high 1.5 sacks while Eugene native Bryce Boettcher also showed out on Senior Day with a team-high 11 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
“I’m extremely proud of Bryce,” Lanning said. “One of my favorite guys I’ve ever got to coach just be-
cause of how he attacks each day.”
With the fumble, Oregon’s defensive unit has now forced a turnover in eight of its last nine games. Washington was held to a measly 4/12 on 3rd down and tallied 222 punting yards compared to its 244 total yards.
“We talked about taking advantage of the moments we did get,” Lanning said. “I think once the score became one-sided, I think that created more opportunities for us so I'm proud of those guys for taking advantage of those opportunities.”
“One-sided” is a kind way to say it. The Oregon defense worked the Washington offense from start to finish. The Ducks recorded more sack yardage (49 yards) than they allowed rushing yards (43).
“Coming into the game, we didn’t think we’d have that many opportunities to be able to actually rush the passer,” Lanning said. “We were anticipating some screen game and runs.”
But Washington’s passing game didn’t have quite the night it wanted to either. Demond Williams Jr. had an accurate night, completing 17 of his 20 attempts, but only mustered 201 passing yards, 63 of which came in “garbage time” against the Ducks’ backups in the fourth quarter.
The narrative of the Ducks being 0-3 against Washington quickly turned to being 12-0 for the first time since 2010.
“I think it meant a lot,” Lanning said about beating Washington. “I go to bed every night thinking about them and wake up every morning thinking about them. So it’s nice to be able to think about a win, too.”
Lanning finally has his signature win over the Huskies, and he’s got his stout defense to thank for it.
Dillon Gabriel (8) carries the ball as Dave luli (74) goes to block Washington defense. No. 1 Oregon defeated Washington 49-21 for an undefeated regular season at Autzen Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alyssa Garcia/Emerald)
Kamar Mothudi finishes praying before the game begins. The previously No. 3 ranked Oregon Ducks football team took on the previously No. 2 ranked Ohio State University Buckeyes on Oct. 12, 2024, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene. (Molly McPherson/Emerald)
(Above)
PRO DUCKS ENTERING THE FINAL MONTH
Which former Oregon players are in the hunt for the playoffs?
BY MAX KOEBEL Sports Reporter
With one month remaining in the NFL regular season, there’s a much better feeling about which teams we should have our eyes on. Some teams already clinched playoff spots, some are a win or two away, while others need to win out to have a fighting chance. Let’s see how some of Oregon’s alumni fit into the mix.
Bo Nix , Quarterback, Denver Broncos
In his first season as a pro, Bo Nix has proven to be the quarterback Bron cos fans have been looking for since Peyton Manning’s retirement in 2016. Last week, Nix became the first quarterback in Broncos history to win AFC Rookie of the Week for three consecutive weeks when they beat the Las Vegas Raiders 29-19. It was Denver’s first road win against the Raiders since 2015, which was also the last time it was in the playoffs. The future is incredibly bright, as Nix looks to finally take the Broncos over the hump.
Justin Herbert, Quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers
In a 17-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons, the Chargers improved to 8-4 and currently hold the second Wild Card spot in the AFC. The fifth-year quarterback went 16/23 passing for 147 yards.
This season, Herbert has thrown for 2,551 yards with 13 touchdowns and just one interception. Herbert has adjust ed quite nicely to head coach Jim Harbaugh’s system. The next test for the two of them is to stand in the way of defending back-to-back Super Bowl Champions –the Kansas City Chiefs as they look to lock up their ninth-consecutive AFC West Division title.
Troy Franklin, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos
After unexpectedly falling to the fourth round of the NFL Draft, the rookie wide receiver has had a slow start to his career as a pro. Franklin’s pro duction on the field has not quite been what it was in Eugene up to this point. He has just 19 receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Franklin has a lot of room for growth, but he is in a great position with a familiar quarterback and a winning team looking to make a run for the playoffs.
Bucky Irving Running Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Watching the Buccaneers, their usage of rookie running back Bucky Irving is unmistakable and drives incredible success. In Tampa Bay’s 26-23 overtime win over the Carolina Panthers, Irving was the leading rusher. He recorded 25 carries for 152 yards and a touchdown as well as three receptions for 33 yards. Irving has 767 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns on the season as the 6-6 Buccaneers hunt for their fourth straight NFC South Division title.
Christian Gonzalez, Defensive Back, New England Patriots
In the Patriots’ narrow, one-point loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the sec ond-year defensive back helped keep New England in the game. Gonzalez recorded six tackles, one of which was for a loss, a pass deflection and an interception.
While the Patriots have had very little success during Gonzalez’s time in New England, he has certainly been a guy they want to hold on to when strengthening their roster for next season. Gonzalez has recorded 49 tackles this season and is continuing to show improvement every week.
DeForest Buckner Defensive Lineman, Indianapolis Colts
While just barely surviving a 25-24 win over the New England Patriots, the ninth-year veteran held his ground on the Indianapolis defensive front. Buckner recorded seven tackles including a sack to help the Colts keep their slim playoff hopes alive and improve to 6-7.
After missing over a month in the first half of the season with a sprained ankle, Buckner has responded emphatically with 44 tackles and 5.5 sacks on the season.
Bucky Irving (0) attempts to dodge a tackle from behind. The Oregon Ducks football team took on the Washington State Cougars on Oct. 21 2023, in Eugene. (Molly Mcpherson/Emerald)
FLOCKING TO INDY
Jesse Hill’s incredible story of road trips and road wins
BY BRADY RUTH Sports Editor
This is the story of a man who fathers a one-year-old son named Autzen. With fandom dedication like that, there’s no way Jesse Hill was ever just going to sit Oregon’s historic 2024 season out.
Hill — or, Bama Duck (@205duckfan) on X — lives in Locust Fork, Alabama, deep in the heart of SEC country. And yet, his heart belongs to the only undefeated team in the Big Ten.
Hill grew up 45 minutes from Alabama’s Bryant Denny Stadium and just seven minutes from the high school that produced both Bo Nix and Tez Johnson. Because Nix’s talent often led him to play above his age group, Hill faced Nix on the field several times.
Hill’s aunt in Madras, Oregon, added him to the Ducks’ fan base at a young age.
“She said, ‘you’re not going to say “roll tide,”’” Hill said. “She planted the seed and began to water it. She would send me [Oregon] hoodies and tee shirts. It was always this really cool thing. I’d be in this sick Nike gear walking around the high school halls while everyone else was in [Alabama or Auburn] stuff.”
He made his first trip to Autzen in 2018 for one of Or egon’s more historic wins over the Washington Huskies.
“I said that day ‘inject this into my veins for the rest of my life,’” Hill said. “There will never be another place for me except for the University of Oregon and Autzen Stadium.”
But his claim to fame started amidst Oregon’s incredible 12-0 season.
Living in Alabama, traveling to the West Coast for games was more of a task for Hill than he’d like. He recalls several trips out to Autzen that forced him and his wife into sleepless nights on airport floors and brutal travel days.
But, like it did for so many fans, Oregon’s move to the Big Ten changed things for Hill. Road contests in the midwest opened doors for Hill to hit the road and flock to the biggest games.
He said the total drive time for Big Ten road games is comparable to the total travel time it takes him to fly from Birmingham to Eugene.
“I looked on Wednesday night and tickets were like $30,” Hill said of the Michigan game. “I said, ‘you ain’t gotta pull my leg. I’ll drive for a $30 ticket to The Big House.’”
So, Hill hit the road. A 12-and-a-half-hour drive to Ann Arbor, Michigan, gave him a chance to see the cathedral the Michigan Wolverines call home. He bought a ticket an hour before game time. For just $13, Hill sat on the 20yard line at Michigan Stadium.
A few weeks later, Oregon was preparing for a trip to Madison, Wisconsin. Meanwhile, Hill was plotting a
notifications on my phone,” Hill said. “The whole screen was just Twitter notifications. I’m from a town where my graduating class was the biggest the high school had ever seen with 61 kids. So for thousands of people to be interacting with my Tweet was crazy.”
So, Hill hit the road again. A grueling, 14-hour trek to Camp Randall was rewarded with an ugly win over the Wisconsin Badgers. But, it was the chance to see another iconic stadium and add a chapter to his story.
QuikTrip paid for Hill’s gas to get to and from Camp Randall. He got to see another iconic venue for a minimal cost.
“To have people stop me on the sidewalk and ask if I was the QuikTrip guy was so cool,” he said. “To be able to be the vessel of what an Oregon fan would love to do, I was just truly humbled.”
While his passion is maxed out, his story continues to grow. Hill said he’s has received offers from kind-hearted individuals to pay for rental cars and other travel expenses. He’s working on finding a videographer to help share his story with more than his newfound social media followers.
er my purpose. That’s kinda where I drew the line. We’re not taking hard-earned money from normal people that are
Now, Hill turns his sights to Indianapolis. He’s making the seven-hour drive from Locust Fork to Indy with his brother and niece. It’ll be both of their first times seeing the Ducks play in person, but for Hill, it’s just the latest stop in what’s become an incredible pattern
Jesse Hill throws his “O” at the Wisconsin game. Hill drove from Alabama to Madison to watch the Ducks defeat the Wisconsin Badgers 16-13. Photo courtesy of Jesse Hill. (Photo courtesy of Brady Ruth)
WEAR
