Ducks Escape Ultimate Embarrassment in Narrow Win Over Idaho, Much Work to Do

The Oregon hype train suffered a 40-car derailment in Autzen Stadium as the number three-ranked (for now) Ducks escaped with a 24-14 win over Idaho.

Idaho used a couple of trick plays to close within 17-14 with 9:45 to play in the fourth quarter. Dillon Gabriel put together a 10-play, 71-yard drive to put it away, the Ducks scoring on a 2-yard pass to Tez Johnson on 4th and 2.

Gabriel connected on 41-49 passes for 380 yards and two touchdowns to Johnson, but a strip/sack/fumble ended a second quarter Oregon drive that reached the Idaho 8. He was sacked three times and had to resort to the short game and checkdowns to counter the pressure.

The Oregon offensive line had their most pathetic performance since 2016. There were numerous false starts, illegal formation and holding penalties, missed blocks aplenty. The Ducks managed just 107 yards on 37 running plays, 2.9 yards a carry.

Interceptions by Brandon Johnson and Nikko Reed highlighted a strong effort by the defense. They held the Vandals to 217 yards of offense, 2-12 on 3rd down.

The Ducks had 8 penalties for 60 yards. The offensive misfires remain a concern, particularly because Week 2 opponent Boise State beat Georgia Southern on the road, 56-45.