Saturday, November 13
Eugene, Ore.
7:30 PM
University of Oregon
vs
Washington State
Photo by: Eric Evans/GoDucks.com
No. 3 Ducks Host Cougars In Crucial Pac-12 North Showdown
11/12/21 | Football
#3 Oregon Ducks (8-1, 5-1 Pac-12)
CFP/AP/Coaches Rank: 3/5/6
Head Coach: Mario Cristobal (Miami, 1993)
Record at Oregon: 33-11 (4th Season)
Career Record: 60-58 (10th Season)
Washington State Cougars (5-4, 4-2 Pac-12)
CFP/AP/Coaches Rank: NR/NR/NR
Acting Head Coach: Jake Dickert (Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 2007)
Record at Washington State: 1-1 (1st Season)
Career Record: Same
TV - ESPN
Play-by-Play: Dave Flemming
Analyst: Rod Gilmore
Sideline: Stormy Buonantony
Radio - Oregon Sports Network
Local: KUJZ-FM 95.3 (Eugene) | KFXX-AM 1080 (Portland)
Sirius: 133 | XM: 197
Play-by-Play: Jerry Allen
Analyst: Mike Jorgensen
Sideline: Joey McMurry
Pre-Game Show: Terry Jonz
Numbers to Know
4 - Travis Dye is one of only four FBS players to lead their team in both rushing yards (820) and receptions (26).
15 - Quarterback Anthony Brown has connected with 15 different receivers on his 153 completions this season.
50.0 - UO is tied for seventh nationally with a 50.0 percent third-down conversion rate, going 23-of-35 (65.7%) in the last three games.
166 - The Ducks' defense allowed just 166 total yards vs. UW, holding a Pac-12 opponent under 200 for the first time since 2010.
329 - Oregon racked up a season-high 329 rushing yards at Washington, the most for the program since Nov. 23, 2018.
Did You Know?
Oregon's defense held Washington's offense to just seven first downs, the fewest UO has allowed since Sept. 18, 2010.
Series History - Oregon vs. Washington State
All-Time: Oregon leads, 51-40-7
In Eugene: Oregon leads, 22-17-4
Current Streak: Oregon W2
Last Meeting: Oregon won, 43-29 (11/14/20, in Pullman)
Most points scored by Oregon: 63 (2008)
Most points scored by WSU: 56 (1977)
Largest margin of victory by Oregon: 49 (2008)
Largest margin of victory by WSU: 39 (2003)
TEAM NOTES
At A Glance
Coming off an impressive road win over one of their biggest rivals, the No. 3 Ducks return home Saturday to host Washington State in Autzen Stadium. At 8-1 overall and 5-1 in league play, Oregon is looking to remain in sole possession of first place in the Pac-12 North with the Cougars coming to town at 4-2 in conference play. UO would clinch the Pac-12 North this weekend with a win over the Cougars and an Oregon State loss to Stanford. The Ducks moved up one spot to No. 3 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, and are back in the top five of the AP poll after their win in Seattle.
Ducks In The CFP Rankings
» No. 3 is UO's second-highest CFP ranking ever (No. 2, 2014).
» One of two Pac-12 teams in the top 25 (No. 24 Utah).
» Defeated No. 4 Ohio State, 35-28, on Sept. 11 in Columbus.
» Second straight top-five ranking and eighth all-time.
» 13th top-10 and 22nd top-25 ranking in program history.
Thriving At Autzen
Oregon has won 17 consecutive games at Autzen Stadium, the third-longest active home winning streak in the nation. The Ducks are 20-1 at home under head coach Mario Cristobal since the start of the 2018 season, including a 13-1 record in conference home games. Oregon is 5-0 at Autzen in 2021, averaging 39.2 points per game while holding opponents to just 19.2 points per contest.
A Win Would...
» Clinch the Pac-12 North Division title for the Ducks IF Oregon State loses to Stanford.
» Extend Oregon's home winning streak to 18 games - the third-longest active streak in the country.
» Be Oregon's 14th in a row against Pac-12 opponents in Autzen Stadium.
» Improve Oregon to 21-1 at home under head coach Mario Cristobal.
Winning The Turnover Battle
Through nine games, Oregon has been one of the best teams in the FBS when it comes to winning the turnover battle, sitting in a tie for 10th nationally with a plus-8 turnover margin. The Ducks are also tied for 10th in turnover margin per game at +0.89 while the Ducks' 17 takeaways are tied for 15th most in the FBS. Oregon has won or finished tied in the turnover battle six times, winning each of those games.
Taking Advantage
Oregon has done a good job of capitalizing on takeaways during head coach Mario Cristobal's tenure, averaging the second-most points off turnovers in the FBS since the start of the 2018 season. The Ducks have scored at least 14 points off turnovers 14 times during that span, cashing in for 17 points off of turnovers three times this season (Fresno State, Stony Brook, Arizona).
» Scoring an average of 4.5 points off of each turnover since 2018 (333 points off 74 turnovers).
» Has scored at least 20 points off turnovers eight times since 2018, led by three games with 28 points off takeaways.
» Fifth in the FBS in points off turnovers differential since 2018, outscoring opponents by 4.2 PPG.
OFFENSIVE NOTES
Ground And Pound
Oregon's offense has been paced by a consistent ground attack throughout the season. The Ducks are second in the Pac-12, and 17th nationally, with 218.7 rushing yards per game and have gone over the 200-yard mark five times, with four of those performances coming in the last five games. Travis Dye is second in the Pac-12 in rushing yards per game (91.1) while Anthony Brown is second among QBs in the league in yards per game on the ground (47.6). Dye, CJ Verdell and Byron Cardwell have each run for 100 yards in a game this year, making Oregon one of five Power 5 teams to have three different players reach the century mark in a game.
» Leading the conference and tied for fourth nationally with 27 rushing TDs.
» 16-1 under head coach Mario Cristobal when rushing for at least 200 yards and 10-0 when reaching 250 yards.
» First in the Pac-12 in both second half (116.6 per game) and fourth-quarter rushing yards (62.6 per game).
» Scored five TDs on the ground at UCLA, the most rushing TDs by an Oregon team since Nov. 23, 2018 at Oregon State.
» Ran for 269 yards in a week two win at Ohio State - the most by a team against the Buckeyes in Ohio Stadium since 2014.
Thriving On Third Down
Oregon has been efficient on third downs over the last three games, combining to go 23-of-35 in third-down situations since the UCLA game. The Ducks converted on 12 consecutive third-down attempts between the UCLA and Colorado games, succeeding on their final seven against the Bruins before coming up with first downs on their first five attempts against the Buffaloes. Oregon then went 9-of-16 against Washington, succeeding on eight of the last 11 attempts.
» Second in the conference and seventh nationally, converting 50.0 percent of third downs.
» Of the 23 third-down conversions in the last three games, eight have been through the air, and 15 have been via run.
» Third in the FBS with three-and-outs on just 10.9 percent of drives.
Punch It In
Through nine games, Oregon has been among the best teams in the country at cashing in on red-zone opportunities. The Ducks are tied for seventh in the FBS with touchdowns on 75.0 percent of their red-zone chances while putting points on the board on 35-of-40 (88.0 percent) red zone trips. Oregon has scored points on 14 of its last 16 trips to the red zone, finding the end zone 13 times during that stretch.
What Can Brown Do For You
Quarterback Anthony Brown has made big plays with his arm and his legs while leading the Ducks to an 8-1 start to the season. Brown has 11 passing touchdowns and seven rushing TDs, and ranks third in the Pac-12 with 258.3 yards of total offense per game. In the last four games, Brown has completed 84-of-118 passes (71.2%) for 945 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for three more TDs. Brown led all Pac-12 quarterbacks during the month of October in completion percentage (71.0) and total offense per game (308.8).
» Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award top 10 finalist
» Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award top 20 semifinalist
» No. 1 among Pac-12 QBs with seven rushing touchdowns.
» Five games with at least 200 yards passing and 35 rushing.
» Rushed for a career-high 85 yards and a TD in win at UCLA.
Feature Back
Travis Dye is arguably the biggest key to Oregon's offense this season, especially after fellow back CJ Verdell went down with a season-ending injury on Oct. 2. Dye is second in the Pac-12 with a career-high 820 rushing yards, and is averaging 104.3 rushing yards per game in conference play with 626 yards and eight touchdowns after a career game in Oregon's win at Washington. Dye's ascension as Oregon's primary ball carrier has accelerated his rise up Oregon's all-time rushing charts, sitting in ninth with 2,660 rushing yards in his career entering Saturday's game vs. Washington State.
» 109.5 rushing yards per game (438 total) in four games since Verdell's injury.
» 180 yards away from first career 1,000-yard rushing season.
» Needs 98 rushing yards to move into eighth on Oregon's career rushing list.
» Six career games with 100-plus rushing yards; UO is 6-0 when Dye rushes for 100-plus.
» Second among active Pac-12 players and eighth in the Power 5 in career rushing yards.
Dye Goes Wild In Seattle
Travis Dye enjoyed one of the best performances of his career in Oregon's 26-16 win at Washington, rushing 28 times for a career-high 211 yards and a touchdown to power the Ducks. Dye became the first player to rush for more than 200 yards vs. Washington since Baylor's Terrance Ganaway did so on Dec. 20, 2011, and his 211 yards are the most by any Pac-12 player this season. Dye recorded his first career 200-yard game while surpassing 100 yards for the sixth time, and he is the first Duck to rush for 200-plus since Verdell went for 208 in the 2019 Pac-12 Championship Game. Dye ran for 154 of his 211 yards in the second half on 18 carries.
26 Can Do It All
A dynamic runner, Travis Dye has also been a huge weapon for the Ducks as a receiver out of the backfield. Dye leads the Ducks with 26 receptions for 277 yards, making him one of only four players in the FBS to lead his team in both rushing yards and catches. Dye surpassed 200 all-purpose yards against both Cal and Washington, becoming the only FBS running back this season, and first Pac-12 player since Christian McCaffrey, in 2016 to have at least 140 rushing yards and 70 receiving yards in a game with 145 rushing yards and a career-high seven receptions for 73 yards vs. the Golden Bears.
» 22 receptions for 236 yards and TD in the last five games.
» No. 2 in the Pac-12 with 121.9 yards from scrimmage per game (one of six over 100 YPG).
» 26 receptions ranks third among Pac-12 running backs.
TDs For TD
Travis Dye has shown a knack for finding the end zone, ranking third in the Pac-12 with 12 total touchdowns and tied for third with 11 rushing TDs. Dye has scored at least one TD in each of the last four games, with nine total touchdowns during that span. The Norco, Calif., native set an NCAA record in Oregon's win at UCLA, becoming the first FBS player in history to score a touchdown on four consecutive carries.
» 23 career touchdowns (16 rushing, 7 receiving).
» First Duck since Verdell in 2018 and fourth since 2000 with four rushing TDs in a game.
» First career game with a rushing and receiving TD on Oct. 30 vs. Colorado.
» Multiple TDs in back-to-back games (at UCLA, vs. Colorado) for the first time in his career.
» Oregon is 15-1 all-time when Dye scores a touchdown.
Williams Heating Up
Devon Williams has emerged as one of the go-to targets in the passing game over the last few weeks, currently leading the team with 322 receiving yards. Williams has caught 16 passes for 274 yards and two TDs over the last four games, leading the team in receiving yards in each of the last three contests. He has finished with at least 60 receiving yards in three of the last four games while catching touchdowns in each of the last two games.
» 15 of his 20 receptions have gone for first downs.
» Hauled in five catches for 95 yards, highlighted by a 25-yard TD in the Colorado game.
» Seventh in the Pac-12 with 58.8 receiving yards per game in conference games.
Pro-Duck-Tive Duo
Jaylon Redd and Johnny Johnson III are among the most experienced wide receiver pairs in the FBS. They have combined for the third most career receiving TDs of any Power 5 duo - and the most in the Pac-12 - with 31. Johnson and Redd are also second among Pac-12 duos with 3,311 career receiving yards led by Johnson, whose 1,885 receiving yards is second among active players in the conference.
Climbing The Reception Rankings
Senior wide receivers Jaylon Redd and Johnny Johnson III look to continue climbing Oregon's career receptions list during their final collegiate seasons in 2021. Johnson cracked the top 10 list in career receptions at Oregon in the Colorado game, and now has 136 catches while Redd is 13th with 130 career receptions.
» To move into ninth on Oregon's receptions list, Johnson needs nine catches.
» Johnson is 14 catches away from 150 in his career while Redd is 20 away. Seven WRs in UO history have reached that mark.
» Johnson needs 115 receiving yards to reach 2,000 for his career.
» Johnson is also 164 receiving yards away from cracking the Oregon top 10 list for career receiving yards.
Depth In The Tight End Room
Oregon has gotten contributions from nearly everyone in its tight end room. Five of the Ducks' tight ends have caught a pass while six of the seven players listed as tight ends of the roster have gotten playing time. Terrance Ferguson leads the group with 11 receptions for 98 yards and a pair of TDs while Spencer Webb has added 10 catches for 73 yards and a score. Additionally, Moliki Matavao has hauled in seven receptions for 66 yards and a score while Cam McCormick and DJ Johnson have each contributed first-down receptions.
» Ferguson is one of four true freshman tight ends in the FBS with multiple receiving TDs.
» Matavao hauled in his first career TD at Ohio State while Webb found the end zone against Arizona.
» Johnson caught an 11-yard pass on a third down late at Ohio State while also recording a sack on the final play.
Line 'Em Up Anywhere
Versatility on the offensive line has been one of the keys to Oregon's offensive success. Six linemen have taken snaps at multiple positions along the offensive line, led by Dawson Jaramillo, who has played four different positions, and Jackson Powers-Johnson, who has taken snaps at three spots. Additionally, five players have started at multiple positions during the year while the Ducks have used six different starting offensive line combinations.
DEFENSIVE NOTES
Defense Dominates In Rivalry Win
Oregon's defense is coming off of its best defensive effort of the season in a 26-16 win over Washington. The Ducks held Washington to just 166 yards of total offense, giving up 111 yards through the air and 55 on the ground. Additionally, Oregon limited Washington to seven first downs while forcing seven three-and-outs. The Duks also forced a turnover on downs while coming away with an interception. Oregon surrendered just 64 yards of offense in the second half, highlighted by a trio of three-and-outs in the third quarter, when the Ducks gave up only 19 yards of total offense.
» Fewest first downs allowed in a game since Sept. 18, 2010 when Portland State had just seven.
» Held an opponent under 170 yards of total offense for the first time since that Portland State game in 2010.
» First time holding a Pac-12 opponent under 200 yards of offense since Nov. 13, 2010 vs. California (193)
» Fewest yards allowed in conference play since Oct. 3, 2009 against Washington State (158).
» Gave up fewer than 200 yards of offense in a game against Washington for the first time since 2006 (138 yards).
» Fewest passing yards allowed since Sept. 7, 2019 vs. Nevada (109 yards).
Making Stops In Crunch Time
The Oregon defense has made numerous big stops late in games in its eight wins. The Ducks have forced six turnovers in the fourth quarter while turning opponents over on downs three times. UO has forced a fourth-quarter turnover in five of the eight wins and forced a three-and-out on Washington's final drive to protect an eight-point lead on Saturday.
» Forced a fumble and came up with a fourth-down stop in the fourth quarter in the sesaon opening win vs. Fresno State.
» Sealed wins at Ohio State and UCLA with INTs in the final two minutes of each game.
» Stopped Cal on fourth-and-goal on the two-yard line with two seconds left.
Run Stuffers
Oregon has been stout against the run, ranking second in the Pac-12 allowing 123.1 yards per game. The Ducks have held seven of their nine opponents under their season average in rushing yards, doing so in each of the last four games. Oregon also leads the conference allowing just 3.4 yards per carry while sitting in first place in the league giving up just 127.2 yards per game on the ground in Pac-12 play.
» Tied for fourth nationally with just four runs of at least 20 yards given up.
» Oregon has not allowed a run of 20 yards or more in the last four games.
» One of two Pac-12 teams to not allow a 100-yard rusher (Arizona State).
» Allowing just 94.0 yards per game and 2.8 yards per attempt on the ground in the last three games.
Make Them Earn It
Through nine games, Oregon has minimized big plays by its opponents and is tied for the Pac-12 lead allowing 4.97 yards per play. The Ducks are also tied for first in the country with only seven plays of 30 yards or more given up and are one of just three FBS teams to not allow a play of at least 50 yards this season.
Game Wrecker
Named a first-team preseason All-American by eight different outlets, Kayvon Thibodeaux has wreaked havoc in opposing backfields in his career as a Duck. An FWAA second-team All-American in 2020, Thibodeaux has recorded 16.0 sacks and 31.5 TFLs in 28 career games at Oregon. He is fifth among Power 5 players in TFLs since the start of 2019 with 31.5, headlined by a career-high 4.5 at UCLA on Oct. 23. Thibodeaux leads Oregon with four sacks and 8.0 TFLs despite missing two-and-a-half games due to injury, seeing limited action vs. Arizona, and missing the first half vs. Cal due to a targeting penalty.
» Walter Camp Player of the Year semifinalist
» Chuck Bednarik Award semifinalist
» Fifth in the Pac-12 with 8.0 TFLs and tied for seventh with 4.0 sacks.
» No. 11 in pass rush grade nationally among edge defenders according to PFF (91.3).
» 28 total quarterback pressures and 18 hurries, according to PFF.
Superb Sewell
Linebacker Noah Sewell has established himself as one of the best defensive players in the conference. Sewell is third in the Pac-12, and third nationally, among freshmen with a team-high 79 tackles - 29 more than any other Duck. He has made 67 tackles over the last seven games, notching his fourth double-digit tackle game during that stretch with 10 stops in Oregon's 26-16 win at Washington. He owns the highest grade among Pac-12 linebackers and is 13th in the FBS at the position in pass rushing situations according to PFF (87.3).
» Butkus Award semifinalist
» One of two Pac-12 players with at least 70 tackles and three sacks.
» Second among Ducks in both tackles for loss (6.5) and sacks (3.0).
» Has finished at least tied for the team lead in tackles six times, all in the last seven games.
» Made at least four stops in all 16 career games, and five-plus in his last 14.
» Set a career-high with 14 stops against Arizona.
» Four double-digit tackle performances this season, and five in his career.
Back-End Playmaker
A third-year starter in the UO secondary, Verone McKinley III has proven to be one of the best playmakers in the FBS in 2021. He's tied for third nationally with four interceptions after coming away with a pick in three straight games in September. McKinley is second on the team with 50 total tackles this season, a new career-high with three games left in the regular season. The 2019 FWAA Freshman All-American is tied for eighth among active FBS players with nine career interceptions, and is one of just two third-year players with at least nine picks.
» Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist
» First Duck with an interception in three straight games since Erick Dargan in 2012.
» Two INTs vs. Stony Brook, the second multi-interception game of his career.
» Game-sealing interception in Oregon's historic win at then-No. 3 Ohio State.
» Five of his nine career interceptions have come in the red zone.
» Three interceptions away from cracking the UO all-time top 10.
» 51 tackles this season ranks fourth among Pac-12 defensive backs.
» Tied for the team lead with four pass breakups this season.
The Wright Stuff
Mykael Wright has continued to put up strong numbers in his third collegiate season. Wright is third on the team with 50 tackles (35 solo) and also has an interception, three TFLs, a forced fumble and four pass breakups. Wright has recorded five or more tackles in seven of the nine games, highlighted by a career-high 10 stops in the win at Ohio State. He has also finished at least tied for the team lead in tackles in a game twice, making a team high in stops against the Buckeyes and the vs. Colorado.
» Tied for first among Pac-12 cornerbacks and tied for third among all DBs in the league with 50 tackles.
» Came away with second career INT during the Arizona win.
» One of three Pac-12 DBs with at least 50 tackles and three TFLs on the season.
Turning Up The Pressure
Oregon has gotten significant contributions from a number of players along its defensive front to compliment consensus preseason All-American Kayvon Thibodeaux. Sophomore Brandon Dorlus leads all Pac-12 interior defensive linemen, and is third on the team, with 6.0 TFLs, while freshman Bradyn Swinson is tied for second on the team with three sacks. Additionally, freshman Treven Ma'ae has added a pair of TFLs and 1.5 sacks while freshman Keyon Ware-Hudson has three tackles for loss and half a sack to go along with four QB hurries.
» Dorlus leads the team with 30 QB pressures and owns an 80.4 pass-rushing grade according to Pro Football Focus.
» Junior Popo Aumavae is the second-highest graded Pac-12 interior defensive lineman (77.0) while Dorlus is fourth (75.3) according to PFF.
Bassa Stepping Up
True freshman Jeffrey Bassa has delivered some strong play since taking over the starting role at inside linebacker. Bassa made his fourth consecutive start at inside linebacker in the win over Washington, finishing with six tackles for the third straight game, setting or matching a season high in each of those games. He also recorded his first career sack and had 1.5 TFLs in the win over the Huskies to earn Pac-12 Freshman of the Week honors.
» Moved from safety to inside linebacker prior to the Ohio State game.
» Has 18 tackles, four TFLs and a sack over the last three games.
» Tied for the team-lead with six tackles to go along with 1.5 TFLs in the win over Colorado.
» Made six tackles and recorded 0.5 TFLs in the win at UCLA.
DJ Crank It Up
Since taking over the starting role at one of the cornerback spots, sophomore DJ James has shown the ability to make plays defending both the pass and the run. He has 25 tackles over the last six games while coming away with a pair of interceptions and breaking up two passes. James picked off two passes in the win at UCLA, including one to seal the game with under a minute to play in addition to recording a career-high eight stops. James is fifth on the team with 31 stops on the year despite playing in one fewer game than three of the four players ahead of him.
» One of nine FBS players to have multiple interceptions and at least eight tackles in a game.
» Third on the team with a tackling grade of 78.1 and has missed just two tackles all season according to Pro Football Focus.
» Has allowed 21 receptions on 41 targets according to PFF.
SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES
Kicking It Into Gear
Sophomore kicker Camden Lewis has made a significant contribution to Oregon's special teams in handling both placekicking and kickoff duties. He is the only Pac-12 kicker and one of just six in the FBS still perfect on the season on field goal attempts (minimum five attempts). Lewis has put the ball in the end zone for a touchback on 27 of his 60 kickoff attempts. His nine straight made field goals to start the year is also the longest streak of his career. Lewis' numbers show a drastic improvement from his first two seasons as a Duck, as his touchback percentage of 45.0 percent is a drastic increase from what it was in his first two seasons as Oregon's kickoff specialist (26 percent).
» Current streak of nine straight made FGs is the longest by an Oregon kicker since Aidan Schneider in 2015 (9 straight).
» First UO kicker since Schneider in 2015 to make at least four field goals of 40 or more yards in a season.
» 49-yard FG vs. California was the longest by a UO kicker since Matt Evensen hit a 52-yarder on Oct. 25, 2008
Double Duty
Sophomore receiver Mycah Pittman has been a key part of Oregon's offense while also doubling as the punt returner. Pittman has 12 receptions for 197 yards while returning 15 punts for 151 yards. He leads the team among those with at least 10 receptions with 16.4 yards per catch while sitting in 18th place nationally with 10.1 yards per punt return. Pittman is also second on the team lead with four receptions of at least 20 yards, with one in four of the five games in which he has had a catch.
» On the receiving end of Oregon's longest pass play of the season - a 66-yard catch vs. Stanford.
» Also returned four punts for 49 yards against the Cardinal, including a 32-yard return.
» Set a career-high with 115 all-purpose yards against Stanford.
» Caught a career-high five passes for 46 yards in the win at UCLA.
» Returned four punts for a career-high 52 yards, including a career-long 33-yard return, in the win at Washington.
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