Instant Recap: Oregon beats Maryland 39-18

The Ducks faced off against the Maryland Terrapins Saturday night, looking to advance to 10-0. Oregon saw WR Gary Bryant Jr return tonight after missing every previous game. Oregon becomes the second Big Ten team to become 10-0 this season, after Indiana held on against Michigan.

First Quarter:

Maryland won the coin toss, and elected to receive. The Terps looked like they were about to go three and out before a bobbled snap resulted in a 15 yard penalty on Daylen Austin for roughing the punter. Maryland took advantage of this miscue by Oregon with two quick first downs. Eventually, the Ducks defense would hold, forcing Maryland to kick a field goal. Maryland would lead early 0-3 with 10:17 left in the first quarter.

Oregon’s first drive was very short-lived, lasting just three plays. Two drops on the drive, one from RB Jordan James and the other from TE Terrance Ferguson. A punt off the side of Ross James’ foot also didn’t help, only goin 32 yards.

Traeshon Holden would go down with an injury ahead of a 4th down play on Maryland’s side of the field with 3:40 left in the first quarter. Oregon’s WR depth is really going to be tested if the injury is bad enough to keep him out of the game. Jordan James would convert on 4th down, refusing to go down. Jordan James would also finish off the drive for Oregon with a 3 yard TD run. 92 yard drive resulting in a TD. Oregon 7-3 with 2:47 remaining in the 1st quarter.

The first quarter would end in the middle of Maryland’s 3rd drive of the game.

Second Quarter:

Continuing their drive, Tai Felton converted for another Maryland first down. On third down, QB Billy Edwards Jr got hit by Jordan Burch, and caused a fumble. Brandon Johnson quickly picked the ball up and took it to the house, 62 yard return.

With 9:17 remaining in the half, a Maryland defensive player hit QB Dillon Gabriel low, seemingly in the ankle. Gabriel would stay in the game however.

Maryland would put together a touchdown drive, aided by several Oregon penalties. Oregon still leading 14-10 with 3:17 left in the half.

The Ducks got back into the endzone after a Dillon Gabriel passing TD to TE Terrence Ferguson. Oregon would go up 21-10 with 20 seconds left in the first half. Milestone marker for Dillon Gabriel as he is now tied with Case Keenum for the most Career TDs with 178.

Halftime Score: 21-10 Ducks

Third Quarter:

The beginning of the first half was incredibly uneventful before finally a team would score. That team would be Oregon on a passing touchdown to offensive lineman Gernorris Wilson with 7:48 left in the quarter. The Ducks would go for the two-point conversion and have Josh Conerly Jr take it in. Oregon leading 29-10 over Maryland. Dillon Gabriel breaks the all-time record for career touchdowns, now up to 179.

Oregon’s defense got a huge stop on 4th down with 3:15 left in the quarter, Ducks still leading 29-10.

Maryland driving to end the third quarter after a big play to Tai Felton. The Terps leading receiver now has 15, yes fifteen, targets in this game. Felton now has 7 receptions for 72 yards in the contest, still with the 4th quarter to go.

Fourth Quarter:

With 14:04 left in the fourth, DE Jordan Burch exited the game gingerly with an injury.

The Terrapins would score another touchdown, Billy Edwards Jr finding Octavian Smith Jr in the corner of the endzone. Roughing the passer on the play for Oregon’s tenth penalty of the game and Maryland converts the two-point try. Oregon up 29-18 with 11:27 to play.

Finally Oregon was able to force a turnover as Tysheem Johnson intercepts Billy Edwards Jr with 7:46 remaining. Despite getting the ball with a first and goal, Oregon was unable to get into the end zone, settling for a field goal. Ducks leading 32-18 now, with 5:47 remaining in the ballgame.

The ensuing drive Oregon would get it’s second interception of the game, Jestin Jacobs picking off Billy Edwards with 4:53 to go. This time Oregon would capitalize with a passing touchdown to Evan Stewart with 3:45 left in the game. It’s a 17 yard TD for Stewart, his fifth score of the season. The extra point is good and Oregon now leads 39-18 late in the fourth.

Both teams would run out the clock, Oregon wins an ugly one 39-18 in Autzen. It’s a 10-0 start to Oregon, the second 10-0 team in the Big Ten this season.