Herbert Returns And Ducks Roll, 48-28

Saturday, November 18

Eugene, Ore.

4:00 PM

University of Oregon

6-5 , 3-5

Arizona

7-4 , 5-3

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Arizona

Oregon

Photo by: Eric Evans/GoDucks.com

11/18/17 | Football

Box Score

Justin Herbert returned from a five-game absence and Royce Freeman ran for four touchdowns Saturday against Arizona.

By: Rob Moseley

EUGENE, Ore. — Justin Herbert made a triumphant return from a five-game absence and Royce Freeman continued his assault on the record books Saturday, leading the Oregon football team to a 48-28 victory over Arizona in Autzen Stadium.

Herbert played for the first time since September after recovering from a fractured collarbone, and threw for 235 yards while accounting for two touchdowns. Freeman ran for four touchdowns, moving with one of the Pac-12 career record, setting a UO career record for total touchdowns and helping the Ducks become bowl eligible in their first season under head coach Willie Taggart.

How It Happened: The Ducks (6-5, 3-5 Pac-12) fell behind early to Arizona and its dynamic quarterback, Khalil Tate, when Nick Wilson ran for a touchdown midway through the first quarter. But on the ensuing possession, Herbert dropped back to pass, the pocket began to collapse, he saw a seam and ran 40 yards for a game-tying touchdown. Freeman's first touchdown of the game made it 14-7 later in the quarter.

Oregon was poised to blow the game open early, but an interception by Herbert reversed momentum. Arizona scored two plays later to tie the game at 14-14, and Wilson's second TD run made it 21-14. The Ducks stabilized themselves after that, with Herbert throwing a beautiful 39-yard TD pass to Jake Breeland, and Freeman making it 28-21 just before halftime.

Freeman scored again to open the third quarter. Arizona responded to get within 35-28, but Oregon blew the game open for good, scoring the final 13 points unanswered. Aidan Schneider kicked two field goals, and Freeman rushed for his fourth touchdown one play after a reverse flea-flicker from Herbert to Johnny Johnson III for 50 yards down to the 1-yard line.

Who Stood Out: Herbert went 14-of-21 for 235 yards and a passing touchdown with one interception. Freeman ran 19 times for 135 yards and four touchdowns, and Tony Brooks-James added another 19 carries for 124 yards. Dillon Mitchell caught six passes, the most for any UO receiver in a game since Herbert's injury. Defensively, the Ducks limited the dynamic Tate to just 191 yards of offense, with Troy Dye making 11 tackles to lead the UO defense.

What It Means: The Ducks showed how dangerous they can be with Herbert healthy, and wrapped up postseason eligibility a year after missing a bowl.

Notable: Injured senior offensive lineman Doug Brenner announced the starting lineups, and had fun doing so. He announced his position mates as "The Yakima Moose" Shane Lemieux, Jake "The Machine" Hanson, "Dr." Calvin Throckmorton and "Italian Stallion" Brady Aiello. Brenner referred to Tyrell Crosby simply as "the best left tackle in the country." ... Throckmorton started at right guard and Aiello entered the lineup at right tackle, given the absence of seasonlong starter at right guard Jake Pisarcik. … Defensive tackle Scott Pagano and linebacker Blake Rugraff each returned from a three-game absence. … Autzen Stadium PA announcer Don Essig missed the game due to illness, just the third game he's missed since taking over PA duties. Athletics communication staffer Andy McNamara was on the mic for the game.

Up Next: The Ducks close out the regular season by hosting Oregon State in the Civil War next Saturday (4 p.m., ESPN2).