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Game Balls vs Texas Tech

On3 imageby:Justin Hopkins•09/11/23
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© James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

It wasn’t pretty but at the end of the day we’re still talking about an Oregon win. And that is the most important stat in the game of college football.

The Ducks had to grit out a win over Texas Tech on Saturday. And while it wasn’t the blowout Oregon fans wanted, it was a win nonetheless. So now a 2-0 Oregon gets ready to host Hawaii and is two weeks out from hosting a potentially 3-0 Colorado as well.

Before we get to either of those games however, let’s hand out game balls for Saturday’s performance.

Jhop: Brandon Dorlus

I hate joining the party but I feel like I have to here. The much maligned defensive end has had his share of ups and downs at Oregon. Flashes of brilliance with stretches of average play. But nobody came up bigger on Saturday than Brandon Dorlus. When Oregon needed it most, Dorlus came up big and had a strong game overall. While much of the talk has been about incoming transfer Jordan Burch, it’s been Dorlus who has grabbed early headlines.

Jarrid Denney: Camden Lewis

I know there are more obvious candidates here, but Cam Lewis deserves a mention for knocking down the go-ahead 34-yard field goal. 

Lewis obviously had his fair share of struggles early in his Oregon career, but it’s been a lot of fun to watch him bounce back over the past couple of seasons and become one of the more dependable placekickers in the nation. He also delivered a fantastic postgame quote when asked about his big kick.

“It’s kind of funny. Everyone was cheering really loud and I was just thinking ‘Sorry, guys, this is going to hurt for you to watch. This is probably going to ruin your night, but I’m not going to miss this kick,’” Lewis said. “There was no doubt in my mind. I had already kicked a couple of field goals, so I was mentally prepared. I wasn’t even a little bit nervous. I don’t think it’s really relief because I have so much belief I’m going to make the kick.”

Corpatty: Brandon Dorlus. 

While the defense didn’t play well, Dorlus was at the center of a number of big plays the defense did make.

Joel Gunderson: Bo Nix

I’ll go with nix for the 3rd and 11 scramble alone. Without that we’re dissecting a loss.  

Doug Scott: Brandon Dorlus

Game ball to Dorlus. Came up big in creating havoc when Oregon needed it most.  

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