The biggest question hanging over Oregon’s trip into Ohio State week isn’t just the opponent. It’s the health of three offensive pieces the Ducks badly need if they’re going to keep their momentum rolling.
Oregon’s win over Northwestern gave the Ducks a boost, but it also left them with fresh injury concerns. Jordon Davison, Dierre Hill Jr. and Dakorien Moore all exited the game with issues, and that’s a problem at exactly the wrong time with Ohio State next on the schedule.
Davison’s situation is the one that stands out first. He appeared to get hurt early on a screen pass from Dylan Raiola, then didn’t reappear for the rest of the first half.
When Oregon came back out after halftime, he was in street clothes and on crutches. After the game, Dan Lanning said, "It was a leg injury.
I don’t know exactly where that stands yet. He’s a tough guy.
I know that if he was able to get back out there, he would have been out there for us. We’ll continue to evaluate, and I’m sure I’ll be able to give you guys an update.
Probably not sooner, but when that Wednesday update comes up, I’ll probably be able to give you an update around there."
Hill’s status is less clear, but it’s another concern in a week when Oregon would love a healthy backfield. He looked hobbled during the game, and the Ducks leaned on true freshman Brandon Smith, who stepped in and had his coming out party. Afterward, Lanning only described Hill as "a little banged up", leaving plenty for Oregon fans to monitor.
Moore’s exit looked scary in the moment, too. He took a hard shot on the final punt return and didn’t come back for the last offensive series.
Even so, Lanning sounded optimistic afterward, saying, "It seems like Dakorien’s going to be good. He just took a really big shot on the return and was in a little bit of pain, but I think that’s not going to be anything that impacts the future for him.
He told me when he was lying on the ground, ‘I’m ready for the next play.’ I told him, ‘Well, you have to come out for one, at least.’
I think he’s going to be in good shape."
That matters because Moore just delivered the best game of his career, and Oregon is going to need that kind of threat against a stout Ohio State defense. His ability to stretch the field forces defenses to respect the deep ball, which helps prevent them from crowding the box - a dangerous place for Oregon to be if the running back room is already compromised.
There is at least one encouraging note on offense. Jeremiah McClellan is working his way back from a broken foot, has been practicing with the team and warmed up on the field before the Northwestern game. He’s now at the end of the initial timeline for that injury, which gives Oregon a possible boost as it heads into one of its biggest games of the season.
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For Ducks fans, it adds another layer to a game that already carries weight. Offord now gets a chance to show what he can do against the program that once wanted him, and hell be doing it against an Ohio State offense that is missing key players. However the matchup plays out, it gives Oregon one of its most intriguing individual tests of the season and a spotlight moment for a defender whose path to Eugene already made him a talking point. [Read more 🡒]
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Michigan Heads To Oregon With A New Test Fans Will Feel Fast
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The quarterback picture only adds to the intrigue. Oregon is working through injuries and changes at the position, with Dylan Raiola starting after Dante Moores concussion, while Michigan has turned to Tommy Carr after making its own switch. By the time the Wolverines arrive in Eugene, both teams could look a little different than expected, which makes this one feel like more than just another November date on the schedule. [Read more 🡒]