Despite seven turnovers, going 1-for-12 on third downs and a first half that featured 58 yards of total offense, the No. 13 Oregon Ducks still found themselves in the game up until the final snap.
But a fumble after a 23-yard reception on the final play told the story of the game. The Ducks’ 17-15 loss and 3-2 record through six weeks put them in a position to need to win out to keep their College Football Playoff hopes intact.
A key storyline to the offensive struggles surrounded the play of backup quarterback Dylan Raiola. He started in place of Dante Moore, who is still recovering from a concussion sustained in the second quarter against the USC Trojans.
Raiola starred in that win at USC, throwing a pair of touchdowns. It was a complete 180 against the Bruins, with two interceptions, just 43 yards and 31.6 percent completion. Coach Dan Lanning pulled Raiola late in the second half, and Eugene native Brock Thomas finished the game…