Oregon Ducks defeat Michigan 31-7 at Autzen Stadium

Coming off a road win against Ohio State and facing one of the nation’s best defenses on Saturday the Oregon Ducks defeated the Michigan Wolverines 31-7 at Autzen Stadium.

Dan Lanning’s team put up more points and total yards than any opponent had managed against Michigan all season. The victory pushes the Ducks further into the College Football Playoff conversation, though their postseason fate still depends on a series of outside results.

Michigan Wolverines vs No. 16 Oregon Ducks Highlights — CFB ON FOX

Operating under new playcaller Jay Johnson, the Oregon offense racked up 467 total yards against a defensive unit that had previously allowed just 255.3 yards and 16.2 points per game. Instead of methodically grinding down the field, the Ducks attacked deep early and often.

Quarterback Dylan Raiola connected with wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan for a 60-yard touchdown on the game’s fourth play. “We just felt like no one kind of really went after them in a way of ‘just attack,’” Raiola said after the game. “We wanted to swing first, and we did that early.”

The Ducks Extend the Lead Before Half vs. Michigan — Big Ten Football

The offense finished with 10 explosive plays, including passes of 59, 49, 38, and 22 yards. Raiola completed 20 of 28 passes for 341 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

Over the last three games, Raiola has completed 67% of his passes for 934 yards, nine touchdowns, and zero interceptions. “For me, this game was all about ending each series in a kick,” Raiola said after the game. “Whether that’s a field goal, punt, or an extra point, that was my mindset.”

Autzen stadium football northwest eugene oregon located north university campus home field ducks pac conference

Dan Lanning praised his quarterback’s decision-making in a defensive battle. “I thought he did a great job of making decisions to not put the ball in jeopardy,” Lanning said after the game. “We knew that it could be a defensive battle.”

Oregon’s receiving corps also welcomed back Jeremiah McClellan, whose return benefited the team’s passing game. McClellan caught four passes for 105 yards against Michigan, anchoring a deep group of targets alongside Dakorien Moore, who hauled in seven catches for 101 yards and a touchdown.

SHOUT Oregon vs Michigan — Oregon Ducks

On the defensive side, senior defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei recorded four tackles and two sacks, bringing his season total to 9.5. He sits two sacks shy of the Oregon program record of 29.5 set by Nick Reed between 2005 and 2008.

“Obviously, you know, that’s not the main focus,” Uiagalelei said after the game. “The focus is getting wins. But if I break the record or whatever, I think a lot of that goes to Teitum (Tuioti) too; it’s not just me.”

Despite the dominant performance, Oregon does not control its own destiny in the playoff race and requires help from external losses. “Everyone’s aware of what could happen, but none of that happens if we don’t handle our business,” Raiola said after the game. “We just try to take it a week at a time and let everything else play itself out and not worry about other people’s results.”