Freeman Sets Oregon Career Rushing Record In Loss At UCLA

Saturday, October 21

Pasadena, Calif.

1:00 PM

University of Oregon

4-4 , 1-4

UCLA

4-3 , 2-2

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Oregon

UCLA

Photo by: Eric Evans/GoDucks.com

Freeman Sets Oregon Career Rushing Record In Loss At UCLA

10/21/17 | Football

Box Score

Oregon lost for the third time since quarterback Justin Herbert was injured, a game in which Royce Freeman broke LaMichael James' UO career rushing record.

By: Rob Moseley

PASADENA, Calif. — Royce Freeman became Oregon's all-time leading rusher Saturday, albeit in the losing cause after the Ducks rallied to a halftime tie but couldn't muster points in the second half of a 31-14 loss to UCLA in the Rose Bowl.

Freeman entered the game with 4,943 rushing yards, and had 160 on Saturday to bring his career total to 5,103. He surpassed LaMichael James, who ran for 5,082 yards over three seasons from 2009-11.

How It Happened: The Ducks (4-4, 1-4 Pac-12) lost for the third time in three games since losing quarterback Justin Herbert to a broken collar bone. True freshman Braxton Burmeister rushed for both Oregon touchdowns Saturday, drawing the Ducks back from a 14-0 deficit to tie the game at halftime. But the second half was a shutout.

Two third-and-long plays late in the third quarter swung the game to UCLA. The Bruins had third-and-10 in their own territory when Josh Rosen completed a 49-yard pass to Christian Pabico. On the next play, Bolu Olorunfunmi hurdled a defender at the goal line to cap a 22-yard touchdown run for a 24-14 UCLA lead.

On the ensuing UO possession, Freeman had two long carries to get the ball past midfield. The Ducks had third-and-three from the UCLA 40-yard line, Burmeister took a deep shot down the sideline and it was intercepted.

Who Stood Out: Freeman had 160 yards on 29 carries to also break James' record with his 27th career 100-yard rushing performance. Burmeister had two rushing touchdowns on 16 carries, running for 27 yards. Charles Nelson caught four passes for 40 yards.

Defensively, La'Mar Winston Jr. led the Ducks with 11 tackles, and Ugo Amadi added nine. Winston and Troy Dye each recorded a sack.

What It Means: The Ducks showed some positive signs offensively in the first half. The touchdown drives were each 15-play possessions that chewed up at least 75 yards. But ultimately, the offense continues to struggle without Herbert.

Quotable:
Willie Taggart, UO head coach
On Burmeister's performance
"I thought he played better than he had in the previous two ballgames. But still not where we need him to be. ... Those are things we've just got to deal with right now, but we've got to help him get better, and be better around him."

On how the game turned
"I thought our guys showed a lot of fight, especially in the first half. We came out in the second half and started moving the ball, and then stepped on our own toe. We can't afford to do that."

On the team's position entering the homestretch
"I love this team, and I still believe in this team. We've just gotta stay the course."

Royce Freeman, senior running back
On setting the UO career rushing record
"It's a blessing; all praise to the most high. But I was just trying to come back and scrap and get a win. That's all that was on my mind."

Notable: The Ducks were whistled for just three penalties, for 15 yards. … Amadi moved to safety this week and started the game there. … Regulars Jake Pisarcik, Tony Brooks-James, Jonah Moi and Scott Pagano did not make the trip due to injury. Freshman linebacker Sampson Niu was not on hand due to a suspension for violation of team rules. … WIth Pisarcik out, redshirt freshman Jacob Capra started at right guard. The Ducks played much of the half with regular right tackle Calvin Throckmorton at right guard, and Brady Aiello at right tackle.

Up Next: Oregon returns home to host Utah in Autzen Stadium on Saturday (2:45 p.m., Pac-12 Network).