EUGENE, OR – After missing a go-ahead extra point in the third quarter, Oregon’s Atticus Finch became the hero of the night when he kicked a 25-yard field goal as time expired to give the Ducks their second win of the season, defeating Boise State 37-34.
Head Coach Dan Lanning made multiple adjustments throughout the game. Most notably, was the rotation of offensive lineman who struggled to get a push in the run game and allowed 4 sacks on the night. After the game Lanning stated that “we’re going to figure out who the best is”.
Lanning’s halftime adjustments were particularly effective as Oregon’s defense shut Boise State out in the third quarter and their offense found a spark with a 59-yard touchdown by wide receiver Traeshon Holden on their opening drive.
Boise State’s Heisman hopeful running back, Ashton Jeanty, kept the Broncos in the game after he capitalized on back-to-back fumbles in the fourth quarter. A 70-yard touchdown run that tied the game at 27, and an 8-yard touchdown that gave the Broncos their fourth lead of the game at 34-27.
Jeanty finished the night with 25 carries for 192 yards and three touchdowns and now leads the Nation in both rushing yards and touchdowns.
While Oregon’s offense struggled late, their special teams kept them in the game with touchdowns on an 85-yard punt return by Tez Johnson and a 100-yard kick return by Noah Whittington. Lanning stated “Usually in a game where you have two take aways you’re not going have an opportunity to win that game. I think really the difference tonight was special teams.”
Oregon will head north to Corvallis next Saturday, September 14th, to face in-state rival Oregon State.
