The game started out in a strange way and the weirdness never really left Autzen Stadium.
Maryland began the game with a field goal to take an early 3-0 lead, something Oregon or its fans aren’t accustomed to. But the Ducks answered again and again and eventually overwhelmed the Terrapins with a 39-18 win in front of over 55,000 fans.
Oregon moves to 10-0 and 7-0 in Big Ten play as the Ducks keep their national championship hopes alive. This is the first time since 2012 that Oregon has reeled off 10 straight wins to begin a season.
Maryland drops to 4-5 overall and 3-4 in league action.
After that early field goal, the Ducks grabbed a 7-3 lead late in the first quarter on three-yard run from Jordan James that completed a 14-play, 92-yard drive.
The defense took over from there as the Ducks scored again on a scoop-and-score from safety Brandon Johnson. Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards, Jr. was leveled from behind by Jordan Burch and the ball flew out of Edwards’ hands right into Johnson’s and he went 62 yards for the touchdown.
Momentum was clearly on the Oregon sideline, but Maryland was able to put together a 70-yard drive where Roman Hemby ended it with a one-yard plunge and it was 14-10 Ducks with three minutes before halftime.
That was more than enough time for the Duck offense to put together a drive and they did with a 12-play, 75-yard trip to the end zone. Terrance Ferguson was the recipient of this Gabriel touchdown pass, a nine-yard catch to make it 21-10.
Hoping to gather some momentum coming out of halftime, the Duck offense was stagnant for the first two possessions. But then on a 4th-and-3, head coach Dan Lanning called for a fake punt that worked to perfection. Burch, continuing his big game, rambled 36 yards to keep the drive alive.
It was a good call as the drive ended with a touchdown, a three-yard pass to offensive lineman Genorris Wilson, who declared himself eligible before the play happened. It was Gabriel’s 197th career touchdown, breaking the all-time NCAA record.
Just for good measure, the Ducks went for two and got it on Josh Conerly’s run and it was 29-10 Ducks.
It was up to the Oregon defense from then on there and they were more than up for the challenge. They forced three turnovers, two in the second half that stopped potential scoring drives.
Oregon will now prepare for a Wisconsin team that had a bye week this week, just like Maryland did coming into this game.
The Badgers are 5-4 overall and 3-3 in conference action.
( GAME HIGHLIGHTS ) Oregon 39, Maryland 18