There’s no way around it: The Oregon Ducks football program did not have the game they expected in Wisconsin. They played out a hard-fought slugfest that ended with the knockout blow being a game-winning interception from none other than Matayo Uiagalelei, this game’s clear defensive MVP. He clinched the game on a batted pass and earned the Ducks their lowest-scoring victory of the season, 16-13 in hostile territory after eight consecutive games without a bye. Now, as Oregon fans, we learned a LOT from this win, and have some major takeaways (which might not be what you expected).
Although the offense had a rough day at the office, Evan Stewart played out of his mind – Photo Via Isaac Wasserman
Biggest Takeaway: This Team Is Mortal, But Not Really
Oregon might have won close in an extremely hostile environment, but make no mistake: They’re still the best team in the country. They still have a handful of starters out on both sides of the ball, and have found ways to win over multiple weeks. Not many teams can go into an environment like this and pull out a win. I suspect if Mario Cristobal was still coaching here, the Ducks would & should have lost that game.
Frankly, though, I think it’s GOOD they had this game. They needed a little reminder that they’ve been rolling since the Ohio State game, but they still aren’t unbeatable. They still have to make plays and win games. As the No. 1 team in the country, they are NEVER going to sleepwalk through a game in 2024. Oregon is every team we face’s Super Bowl – the Ducks have to treat every game the same way. This mentality has to carry them deep into the College Football Playoff, and remain a focus point as they continue to develop this squad. Even if there are more injuries, Oregon’s shot at a national championship starts NOW.
That “next man up” mentality has come into full effect over the past month. Tez Johnson, Jordan Burch, and Marcus Harper II have headlined the starters that have gone down to injury, and the team has managed to find a way to win under Dan Lanning’s guidance. However, Oregon felt the presence of Tez missing in Wisconsin, as this team struggled to keep the chains moving, score points, or look nearly as dominant as they had in weeks past.
Still, the Ducks were able to come out with a win, dominate the line of scrimmage, and convert on MASSIVE fourth downs thanks to Dillon Gabriel and Terrance Ferguson. This game was certainly NOT the prettiest, but it reminded us of one mantra that will sustain up and through January.
Despite holds, missed calls, and some plays that did not go Oregon’s way, Matayo and the defense found a way to win – Photo Via Isaac Wasserman
The Bottom Line: Just Win
Our Oregon team no longer needs to prove anything. They don’t need to cover the spread, they don’t need to earn Dan Lanning an NFL job: They just need to win. Fortunately, they’re doing that, and have a week off to get right. Rest up, enjoy Eugene; remember why each and every recruit, transfer, and coaching staff member joined this incredible program. As the Ducks host the Washington Huskies in a couple of weeks, I suspect we’ll see a much different Oregon team than this weekend. In our week off, I think it’s time to recognize some of the great players that have come together to make this team elite, just ahead of College Football Playoff season.
Superlatives of the Season
Next Monday I’ll be dropping a superlatives list: Best on Special Teams, Most Improved, Biggest Bright Spot on Defense, and many many more. Take a moment to think about what you’ve seen this year so far: Who has stood out? Who’s the best when it really comes down to the final minutes of the game? Who deserves the most recognition for this weekend’s win, and this year’s 11-0 start? Leave your comments in the FishDuck Forum with decorum, and I’ll take everyone’s thoughts into account as I compile the list.
Go Ducks!
Alex Heining
Los Angeles, California
Top Photo By: Isaac Wasserman
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Alex Heining is an Oregon alumni from the graduate class of 2021. After studying sports business and media studies, he has moved into the field of digital marketing as a copywriter and content manager in the Los Angeles area. Still, he loves his Ducks and goes to local high school games all over the Los Angeles and Orange County area to check out new recruits of the future (and a SoFi game or two with the pros). On any given Saturday, expect to find him doing martial arts, playing the guitar, or screaming at the tv over a missed holding penalty.