UPDATE: In a gritty and rain-soaked clash, the No. 6 Oregon Ducks defeated Wisconsin by a score of 21-7 at Autzen Stadium on October 28, 2023. The game, attended by 58,940 fans, showcased a battle of wills amid challenging conditions, leaving fans eager for more action.
This matchup, notorious for its tight contests, saw Oregon’s performance marked by sloppiness as both teams struggled to find their rhythm. Oregon, coming off a historic display of efficiency, was expected to dominate, but injuries hampered Wisconsin, leaving them with their third-string quarterback and a depleted roster.
Dan Lanning, Oregon’s head coach, had foreseen a possession-heavy game, reminiscent of their past encounters with teams like Stanford. Despite a shaky start, Oregon managed to seize control with a remarkable 16-play, 99-yard touchdown drive that consumed over 8 minutes of clock in the second quarter.
“We used the clock well today,” Lanning stated following the game. “We played the brand of football that was necessary to win this game.” This strategy paid off, as Oregon’s offense and defense both ranked in the top 10 for total yards and scoring.
Oregon’s running back, Jordon Davison, showcased his skills with 102 rushing yards and two touchdowns. “We get to go break their spirits going 99 yards,” Davison remarked, reflecting on the team’s determination. The Ducks also found their offensive stride in the second half, racking up 164 of their total 203 rushing yards after halftime.
However, the night wasn’t without drama. Quarterback Dante Moore exited the game after sustaining a hit to the face, which opened the door for walk-on Brock Thomas to lead two touchdown drives. “It was pretty special,” Thomas said, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity. “They put their trust in me. I felt confident.”
Defensively, Oregon maintained a strong performance, limiting the Badgers to just 196 total yards, with only 86 passing yards, marking Oregon’s second consecutive game allowing less than 100 yards in the air—a feat not accomplished since 1984.
Despite the victory, frustrations lingered as the Ducks allowed Wisconsin to score a touchdown. Linebacker Bryce Boettcher expressed disappointment, saying, “Obviously we were pretty frustrated. They had that one deep ball on the third down that they got and punched it in there.”
As the rain poured and conditions worsened, many fans left the stadium early. Yet, Oregon’s ability to avoid turnovers, despite narrowly escaping a few close calls, helped secure the win. Lanning acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We missed some opportunities early in the game, but we’ll certainly improve and go attack it.”
This victory leaves Oregon with a record of 7-1 and 4-1 in Big Ten play. Looking ahead, the Ducks must build on this performance as they prepare for their upcoming challenges. Fans remain hopeful as Oregon continues to push toward a successful season.