Deadspin: Oregon rallies after going 14 down to stun No. 20 Northwestern
Northwestern builds an early lead
Northwestern scored on four of its first five possessions and gained 284 yards in the first half. Aidan Chiles connected with Griffin Wilde for a 64-yard touchdown, putting the Wildcats ahead 10-0 midway through the opening quarter.
Oregon answered with two Gage Hurych field goals, but Chiles ran for a five-yard score to make it 20-6 with 1:53 left in the half. Raiola then found Moore for a 10-yard touchdown, cutting Northwestern’s halftime lead to 20-13.
Oregon takes control late
An Oregon fumble near midfield led to Jackson Kleather’s 49-yard field goal early in the third quarter, extending Northwestern’s lead to 23-13. Kleather made two kicks from 49 yards in the game.
After a Northwestern field goal brought the score to 27-26, Raiola hit Moore for a 75-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. The play put Oregon ahead by eight, and Moore finished with seven catches, 128 yards and two touchdowns.
Injuries test the Ducks
Oregon lost running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill to injuries during the game. Brandon Smith, playing in their absence, rushed for 82 yards, while tight end Jamari Johnson caught a touchdown.
Chiles threw for 281 yards and rushed for 93, accounting for one touchdown passing and another on the ground. Oregon’s defense recorded three sacks in the fourth quarter, and Johnson secured the win with a first-down catch with 1:20 remaining.
Key points
- Oregon defeated No. 20 Northwestern 34-26 after trailing by 14 points.
- Dylan Raiola threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns.
- Dakorien Moore caught seven passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns.
- Oregon lost Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill to injuries.