In Eugene, Oregon, the Oregon football team kicked off their 2023 season with a spectacular 81-7 victory at Autzen Stadium. The Ducks’ offense set a new program record for points scored, while their defense rebounded after an early scoring drive from the Vikings. The game also marked the collegiate debuts of the majority of the Ducks’ 2023 recruiting class.
Of course, upon film review, the coaching staff may find areas for improvement. However, for the fans in the stadium, it was an almost perfect afternoon. “Certainly some things that we can clean up and things that we can improve on,” stated UO coach Dan Lanning. He expressed his satisfaction with the great energy from the crowd at Autzen.
Senior quarterback Bo Nix set the tone for the game by going 23-of-27 for 287 yards and three touchdowns, making an impressive start to his Heisman Trophy candidacy. Offensive coordinator Will Stein showcased a multitude of playmakers, with Troy Franklin and Gary Bryant Jr. both recording 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns each. Additionally, the Ducks’ running backs contributed seven touchdowns, with Bucky Irving leading the way with two long rushing touchdowns.
The Ducks’ offense demonstrated both passing and rushing prowess, totaling 381 yards through the air and 348 yards on the ground. Their final score of 81 points surpassed the previous modern record set in 2017 against Southern Utah and later tied against Nevada.
Backup quarterbacks Ty Thompson and Austin Novosad also had their chance to shine, going 10-of-11 passing for 94 yards and a touchdown. The Ducks’ depth was evident in their backup running backs, Jordan James, Jayden Limar, and Dante Dowdell, who combined for 192 yards rushing and five touchdowns.
While the Vikings managed to score on their opening drive, Oregon’s defense quickly settled in and held them scoreless for the remainder of the game. The Ducks’ defense was able to rotate players liberally and even fielded as many as 10 true freshmen during the final quarter. This demonstrated the depth and talent within the team.
In total, the Ducks played around 25 true freshmen, giving them valuable early experience that will be crucial as the season progresses. Coach Lanning expressed his confidence in these young players, acknowledging that they will be important assets as the season continues.
Overall, it was an unforgettable afternoon for the freshmen and an incredibly memorable experience for everyone in Autzen Stadium.
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