WATCH: CJ Verdell gets loose for 77-yard touchdown

Oregon running back CJ Verdell extended Oregon’s lead over Ohio State to 14 points bursting through the hole for a 77-yard touchdown less than three minutes into the third quarter.

THERE GOES THAT MAN, @Cjverdell_ 🤯

The @oregonfootball star breaks free for his 3rd TD run of the game! pic.twitter.com/8iJrK4pa4V

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 11, 2021

Verdell has scored all three touchdowns for Oregon and already has over 126 rushing yards just minutes into the third quarter.

Verdell’s 77-yard touchdown gave Oregon the biggest lead its biggest lead yet as the Ducks look to take down No. 3 Ohio State.

Oregon has found success on the ground against the Buckeyes’ loaded defensive front, rushing for over 180 yards in less than three quarters. Through the air, Oregon quarterback Anthony Brown has gone 11 for 20 for 145 yards and a short touchdown pass to Verdell.

Ohio State’s offense continues to find their rhythm. Second-year freshman quarterback CJ Stroud has thrown for 261 yards, throwing just six incompletions, adding 17 yards on the ground.

Ohio State’s lone touchdown came on a 27-yard throw to star wide receiver Garrett Wilson. With the Ducks defense rattled by the Buckeyes tempo, Wilson slipped behind the Oregon secondary for a pretty 27-yard touchdown connection.

As Stroud snapped the football, Oregon defensive back Mykael Wright was busy checking his wrist for the play call. Alas, it allowed Wilson to run right passed him for a wide-open connection.

“Looking down at their wristband when the snap happens,” said Joel Klatt following the play. “This happened last week. Oregon did not get lined up — they didn’t get the call in quick enough.”

The touchdown pass was the third time Stroud found Wilson on the day, as the wide receiver currently has three receptions for 44 yards. 

The Ducks opened up the scoring with a 14-yard CJ Verdell touchdown run. Oregon  is missing defenders Kayvon Thibodeaux and Justin Flowe, but has held steady, limiting Ohio State to just one score in the first half.

Oregon leads Ohio State 21-7 with 13:38 left in the third quarter.