It promised to be the Ducks biggest road test of the season and for the most part, it was.
Michigan battled Oregon for 60 minutes, but ultimately didn’t have enough firepower to keep up with the Ducks as Oregon remained undefeated with the 38-17 win.
Oregon is now 9-0 for the year and in prime position to go to the Big Ten title game in its first season in the conference.
Indiana, of all teams, is also 9-0 for the season as their Cinderella year continues with their big win over Michigan State.
The Ducks didn’t get out of the Big House unscathed, however.
During their first drive, wide receiver Tez Johnson injured his shoulder and his day was over relatively early.
Thankfully for Oregon, their wide receiver room is extremely deep and Traeshon Holden stepped up in a major way. Holden finished with six catches for 149 yards.
Evan Stewart also contributed with a touchdown as well.
Oregon took an early 7-0 lead on Stewart’s score and made it 14-7 very early in the second quarter on the first of two Noah Whittingham touchdowns.
He later made it 21-7 on a six-yard run.
After a Michigan field goal, the Ducks put the game out of reach when Dillon Gabriel rushed for 23 yards for a 28-10 lead.
The second half wasn’t as explosive as the first 30 minutes of the game was, but the Ducks’ defense was more than up to the task.
Michigan did score on its first drive in the third quarter, but that was all the Ducks gave up.
Michigan did have a chance to make it a one-possession game midway through the fourth quarter, but on a fourth-and five from the 10-yard line, the Oregon defense held and gave the ball back to the offense.
The Wolverines got the ball back, but there were just 30 seconds remaining and they were down three touchdowns.
The Ducks were able to move the ball 90 yards in 6:30 and added one more score for good measure on a Jordan James ‘two-yard run.
Oregon goes for 10-0 next week when Maryland (4-4) comes to Autzen Stadium.
The Terrapins are coming off a big 46-23 loss to Minnesota.
( GAME HIGHLIGHTS ) Oregon vs Michigan