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Which true freshmen played in Oregon's Week 1 win over Portland State?

Jarrid Denneyby:Jarrid Denney•09/02/23•

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© Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

Oregon opened the 2023 season in blowout fashion with an 81-7 blowout win over Portland State at Autzen Stadium.

Bo Nix, Bucky Irving, and Gary Bryant Jr. led the way for the Ducks’ offense as it set the modern program record for points in a single game and margin of victory. Oregon scored on its first 11 drives of the game and out-gained Portland State 729 yards to 200.

Plenty of key figures contributed to the Ducks’ Week 1 victory. But Saturday also presented an opportunity for the program’s true freshman to play the first snaps of their college careers.

“What I did see today, and what I did see in the fall, is a group that wants to compete,” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said of the Ducks’ 2023 signees. “They understood that if they step on the field, they’re viewed no different than a starter. There’s a standard of excellence that we expect, and I think a lot of guys tried to perform to that level. The only way you’re gonna get better football is playing.”

Matayo Uiagalelei got into the game early for the Ducks and led all true freshmen with three tackles. Running backs Jayden Limar and Dante Dowdell each scored their first career touchdowns. Limar finished the day with 55 yards on eight carries, and Dowdell ran for 51 yards on eight carries.

“Some of those guys got out there, getting that early experience, those are gonna be guys we’re relying on later on the season. Some of those guys will be relying on every single game so it’s good for them to get some early opportunities out there in the field. We’ll see what they do with it going forward.”

Here’s a rundown of the 24 Oregon true freshmen who saw the field during the Ducks’ emphatic Week 1 win.

Tracking Oregon’s true freshmen through Week 1

Offense

Defense

Special Teams

Oregon freshman who did not play in Week 1

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