Ollie Gordon II didn’t need long to make his presence felt in Minnesota. With Miami searching for any kind of spark in an 0-4 start, the former Oklahoma State standout delivered the kind of burst that reminded people why he was such a force in Stillwater.
Gordon piled up a career-high 100 rushing yards on only nine carries in the Dolphins’ 15-10 loss to the Vikings. He did a lot of damage on one play, breaking loose for a 53-yard run, and he finished the day with an eye-popping 11.1 yards per carry.
The performance came one week after Gordon had a season-high 41 rushing yards against the Kansas City Chiefs, a game in which he scored his first touchdown of the season. He found the end zone again in Minnesota to open the scoring for Miami.
Gordon’s heavier workload came in the wake of De’Von Achane’s season-ending ACL injury last week, and it looked like Miami wasted little time leaning into the rookie. Jaylen Wright technically got the start and handled the first two handoffs, but the Dolphins seemed more interested in riding the hottest hand as the game unfolded.
By the end, Gordon had nine carries, while Wright finished with five. Malik Willis and Malik Washington each got two carries as Miami searched for answers on the ground. Gordon also caught both passes thrown his way, though they netted no yards.
The outing was a major jump from Gordon’s rookie season, when he totaled 199 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 70 attempts.
Miami will try to regroup at home next Sunday, when the Dolphins host the Cincinnati Bengals at 12 p.m. CST on Oct. 11.
In Other News...
Oregon State Fueled A Sideline Meltdown Colorado State Couldn't Hide
Oregon States trip through Fort Collins turned into more than just a lopsided result for Colorado State. In the middle of the game, coach Jim Mora Jr. made a major defensive change, handing over playcalling duties and trying to steady a unit that was already being overwhelmed. The move came with the Rams under heavy pressure and with Oregon State still piling on points.
The adjustment did little to change the evenings direction, as Colorado State still gave up 56 points. Tyson Summers left the sideline after being relieved of his duties and is no longer with the football program, a sign of just how badly things had broken down for the Rams. For Oregon State, it was the kind of game that exposed a defense in free fall and left the Beavers with plenty to build on, even if the bigger story in the box score was what happened on the other side. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon States Passing Attack Just Sent A Loud Early Message
The first Pac-12 game of the season at Canvas Stadium turned into a showcase for Oregon States passing game, and Braden Atkinson was at the center of it. In a 56-26 win over Colorado State, the quarterback kept the Beavers in rhythm from the start, piling up 413 yards and five touchdowns while helping set the tone for a night when the offense looked in command of the matchup.
Jesse Legree was just as important, stretching the field and finishing with three touchdown catches as Oregon State kept finding ways to attack through the air. His latest big night also continued a remarkable run of production, giving the Beavers another proof point that this passing game is more than just hot for one week and may be building into something much bigger. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon States Fast Start Helped Spark A Stunning Colorado State Meltdown
Oregon States fast start against Colorado State did more than put points on the board. It helped turn an already rough afternoon into a jarring sideline situation for the Rams, whose defensive coordinator Tyson Summers was gone by the break in a loss that quickly tilted out of control. For the Beavers, the early pressure and tempo were part of a result that rippled well beyond the final score.
Colorado State is now 2-3, and the fallout has already reached the coaching staff. Jim Mora Jr. has since confirmed that Summers is no longer with the program and that Kenny McClendon has taken over the defensive coordinator role, with San Diego State up next. For Oregon State, it was the kind of game that can expose more than one opponent problem at once. [Read more 🡒]