In a significant showdown on Saturday, Dillon Gabriel showcased his skills once again, throwing a touchdown pass and rushing for another score, helping No. 1 Oregon secure a 38-17 victory over Michigan. With this win, the Ducks improved their record to 9-0 overall and 6-0 in the Big Ten, maintaining their position as a top contender for the Heisman Trophy.
Oregon’s first touchdown was somewhat controversial, as Gabriel’s 2-yard pass to Evan Stewart seemed to have been dropped initially, but the team quickly capitalized on the opportunity. Michigan, however, managed to tie the game 7-7 when Davis Warren connected with Tyler Morris for a 7-yard touchdown, benefiting from a fumble on a punt return by Oregon’s backup returner, Ryan Pellum. Unfortunately, this was the last time Michigan would keep pace in the game.
The Ducks dominated the first half, racking up 304 yards of offense and entering halftime with a commanding 28-10 lead, although they did slow down in the second half. Michigan had a chance to narrow the score to a touchdown in the fourth quarter but failed to convert on downs at the Ducks’ 10-yard line due to a trick play involving receiver Semaj Morgan and backup quarterback Alex Orji.
Gabriel completed 22 of 34 passes for 294 yards, including a touchdown pass and a 23-yard touchdown run that further extended Oregon’s lead before halftime. The Ducks overcame an early loss of their top receiver and punt returner, Tez Johnson, who suffered an apparent shoulder injury after an 11-yard catch. He returned to the sideline later without his uniform and with his arm in a sling, which was a blow for the Ducks. Johnson had been a crucial player, leading the team with 64 receptions and ranking among NCAA leaders with 649 yards and nine total touchdowns this season, including an 85-yard punt return for a score.
The ground game saw Jordan James contribute significantly, finishing with 117 rushing yards and a touchdown in the closing moments of the game. For Michigan, Warren had a solid performance as he completed 12 of 21 passes for 165 yards, throwing for two touchdowns to Morgan and Peyton O’Leary. Colston Loveland also shone for Michigan, registering seven catches for a career-high 112 yards.
In summary, Oregon managed to adapt quickly to Johnson’s injury, with Traeshon Holden stepping up in the offense, matching his career-high of six catches and achieving an impressive 149 receiving yards. On the other hand, Michigan was plagued by errors, including a critical illegal formation penalty on a punt return that allowed the Ducks to retain possession and ultimately score a field goal, pushing their lead to 31-17 late in the third quarter.
As for the implications on the rankings, Oregon is expected to maintain its No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25. Looking ahead, Oregon will face Maryland at home next Saturday, while Michigan is set to take on No. 13 Indiana in an away game on the same day.