It wasn’t the shellacking from a season ago, but the margin of defeat doesn’t feel important during Rivalry Week, all that matters is the loss. Outside of two drives, Washington’s offense was stifled against an Oregon squad that left plenty of opportunities. The Huskies dropped to 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten) after the 26-14 loss to its rival in the PNW.
Washington running back Adam Mohammed logged 105 yards on 14 carries. Quarterback Demond Williams threw for 129 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions on 15-of-30 attempts.
Washington defended the run well, allowing 106 yards and a touchdown on 42 carries. Against the pass was a different story as Dante Moore threw for 286 yards and a touchdown on 20-of-29 attempts without his two best receivers.
Oregon started the scoring after forcing a Husky punt on the game’s opening drive. It took the Ducks seven plays to go 43 yards. A chunk on third-and-7 when Moore connected with wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan for a 35-yard pickup. Freshman cornerback Dylan Robinson never saw the throw coming after not being ready when the ball was snapped. The rest of the fourth quarter saw an exchange of punts until a Demond Williams interception swung momentum in favor of the Ducks.
After the interception, Oregon marched 80 yards to take a 10-0 lead. The drive was not without controversy, though, as a clear hold by the Ducks on fourth and short was missed by the official. With its fresh set of downs, the Ducks leaned on Moore’s legs for a short rushing score.
After another three-and-out, Moore and the Ducks were back on the field. They went 62 yards and took a 13-0 lead after another Atticus Sappington field goal.
It took nearly the entire first half, but Washington’s offense finally showed signs of life. With 10 seconds left, Demond Williams threw a strike to Boston for the first Husky touchdown of the afternoon.
Boston was far from 100% going into the game, but managed UW’s only touchdown receptions.
Suddenly trailing 13-7, you were right to have hope.
Washington has put together great rallies throughout the season, and though Oregon is a tougher foe than most, it is far from flawless and has not been an amazing fourth-quarter team.
At Husky Stadium, they were good enough.
Oregon won the third quarter 6-0, which gave it a 19-7 lead and a much-needed cushion heading into the final frame.
Washington forced the Ducks to punt early in the fourth quarter, then responded with a drive that saw Williams and Boston connect for their second score of the bout. The Huskies went 69 yards in 13 plays but took nearly six minutes off the clock while doing so.
Still, opportunity was in the air, and all on Montlake could smell it.
On Oregon’s ensuing drive, Washington allowed Oregon to gain just one yard between first and second down. On third down, Oregon unloaded a wicked right hook.
Moore found a wide-open Malik Benson, who showed off his speed and raced through UW’s secondary for a 64-yard touchdown. The score gave Oregon a 26-14 lead with 7:55 left and that lead held the rest of the way.