The Oregon Ducks escaped their season-opener unscathed, defeating the Eastern Washington Eagles 61-42
After giving up three first half touchdowns to Eastern Washington, the Ducks held what felt like a narrow 37-21 edge at halftime.
Oregon and Eastern Washington traded touchdowns into the second half, but were able to put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter when Tony Brooks-James scored his second rushing touchdown of the game and put Oregon ahead 61-35.
Adams left the game in the fourth quarter after Eagles linebacker John Kreifels hit Adams late. Kreifels was ejected and booed by Oregon fans as he gestured to the crowd while exiting the field.
Eagles wide receiver Conner Kopp set an Autzen Stadium record with 15 receptions and 246 receiving yards, while also scoring three touchdowns.
Key plays:
– Facing fourth and goal on the one-yard line, Freeman carried straight ahead for his third rushing touchdown of the game. The eight-play drive extended the Ducks’ lead 44-21.
– Two costly penalties on the Ducks extend Eastern Washington’s drive. Christian French is called for hands to the face on third down, then Torrodney Prevot is flagged for unnecessary roughness on a quarterback scramble from West.
– Following the penalties, West hits Kupp on a slant for a one-yard touchdown. The 13-play Eagles drive tightens the deficit 44-28.
– On the next offensive possession, Adams throws another timely touch pass, this time a touchdown to Marshall from 32 yards out. The drive, which lasted all of one minute and four seconds, gives the Ducks a 51-28 lead.
– Jabari Wilson’s three-yard rushing touchdown keeps Eastern Washington in the game, 51-35. The Eagles’ drive was highlighted by Kupp’s catch-and-run for 37 yards.
– Following a fumbled handoff exchange between Adams and Brooks-James, Schneider hits a 30-yard field goal, extending the Ducks’ lead 54-35 and concluding the third quarter.
– Early in the fourth quarter with the Eastern Washington offense marching, Ducks backup strong safety Juwaan Williams picks off Eagles backup quarterback Reilly Hennessey in the red zone.
– Midway into the fourth quarter, Eagles linebacker John Kreifels levels Adams, his former teammate, with a late hit. Kreifels is subsequently ejected, while Adams heads to the locker room and does not return to the game.
– Brooks-James scores his second rushing touchdown of the game, this time a 15-yarder. Schneider’s extra point gives the Ducks a 61-35 lead, putting the game out of reach for Eastern Washington.
– Kupp’s third touchdown reception of the game is a historic one. With the catch, Kupp breaks the Autzen Stadium single-game reception record (15) and single-game receiving yards record (246).
Oregon passing:
Vernon Adams – 19-of-25 for 246 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions
Eastern Washington passing:
Jordan West – 23-of-34 for 293, three touchdowns and one interception
Reilly Hennessy – 14-of-21 for 145 yards, two touchdowns and one interception
Oregon rushing:
Royce Freeman – 21 rushes for 180 yards and three touchdowns
Vernon Adams – 14 rushes for 101 yards
Kani Benoit – 11 rushes for 83 yards and one touchdown
Tony Brooks-James – 6 rushes for 63 yards and two touchdowns
Eastern Washington rushing:
Jabari Wilson – 10 rushes for 43 yards and one touchdown
Malcolm Williams – 7 rushes for 37 yards
Reilly Hennessey – 3 rushes for 20 yards
Jalen Moore – 5 rushes for 8 yards
Oregon receiving:
Byron Marshall – 3 catches for 69 yards and one touchdown
Dwayne Stanford – 3 catches for 90 yards
Bralon Addison – 3 catches for 24 yards and one touchdown
Eastern Washington receiving:
Cooper Kupp – 15 catches for 246 yards and three touchdowns
Kendrick Bourne – 4 catches for 60 yards and one touchdown
Shaq Hill – 4 catches for 49 yards and one touchdown
Total offensive yards:
Oregon – 731
Eastern Washington – 549
Follow Will Denner on Twitter @Will_Denner
Rapid reaction: Oregon Ducks edge Eastern Washington 61-42 in season-opening shootout
Will Denner
September 4, 2015
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