Ducks Fall In Seattle, 38-3

Saturday, November 4

Seattle, Wash.

7:00 PM

University of Oregon

5-5 , 2-5

Washington

8-1 , 5-1

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Oregon

Washington

Photo by: Eric Evans/GoDucks.com

11/04/17 | Football

Box Score

Oregon took an early lead with a ball-control game plan, but critical mistakes tilted momentum to Washington.

By: Rob Moseley

SEATTLE — Oregon used a ball-control offense to take an early lead over No. 12 Washington on Saturday night, but a series of UO miscues tilted momentum to the Huskies, who took it and ran to a 38-3 victory before 70,572 in Husky Stadium.

How It Happened: With Justin Herbert again in uniform but watching from the sideline, the Ducks (5-5, 2-5 Pac-12) used their running game complemented by short, quick passes from Braxton Burmeister to mount a 15-play, 62-yard scoring drive on the opening possession. The Ducks used more than half the first quarter, 7:44, to take a 3-0 lead.

Washington (8-1, 5-1) drove into UO territory but had to settle for a field-goal attempt of its own, which missed. In position to go ahead by two scores, the Ducks again mixed power running with short passes to drive back into the red zone, only to lose a fumble when Kani Benoit was hit at the 16-yard line. The Huskies drove to a game-tying field goal, and on the next possession Dante Pettis returned a punt for a touchdown for the ninth time in his career, breaking the NCAA record and putting UW ahead for good.

The teams then traded three-and-outs, giving Oregon possession midway through the quarter down 10-3. Burmeister couldn't handle a snap on third-and-one, and though the Ducks jumped on the loose ball, they had to punt, and Washington had a strangle hold on momentum that wasn't released the rest of the night.

Who Stood Out: Royce Freeman surpassed the 100-yard mark for the 29th time in his career, a UO record, with 122 yards on 24 carries. Burmeister completed 7-of-13 passes for 31 yards, four to Charles Nelson for 18 yards. Jimmie Swain led the defense with a career-high 13 tackles, including at the goal line when Washington went for it on fourth down late in the game.

What It Means: Oregon dropped to 1-4 in games without Herbert, and now has a bye week before closing the season with two games at home. The Ducks need one more win for bowl eligibility, but have been eliminated from Pac-12 title contention.

Quotable:
UO coach Willie Taggart:
"We felt like we'd be able to run the ball, which we did. We've just gotta be able to throw the ball better."

"I? told them I love them, and we still have something to play for. We have a bye week, a chance to heal our bodies and finish strong."

"We're taking our lumps now. We'll take 'em. And we'll come back swinging. I? promise you that."

Notable: Taggart said he never was close to putting Herbert into the game. ... Linebacker Troy Dye was in street clothes by game's end due to an Achilles issue but, Taggart said, "he'll be fine." ... Brady Breeze made his first career interception.

Up Next: After a week off, the Ducks host Arizona on Nov. 18. Kickoff time and the television network are yet to be announced.