UPDATE: The No. 7 Oregon Ducks delivered a stunning performance, crushing Montana State 59-13 at Autzen Stadium on September 9, 2023. Oregon’s defense was relentless, limiting the Bobcats to a mere 46 yards on 27 carries, marking a dismal 1.7 yards per carry—the lowest for Montana State since the 2022 FCS national semifinals.
Oregon’s defensive strategy, focused on halting the run game, proved effective and timely. Head Coach Dan Lanning emphasized the importance of a singular goal: “If you go out there and have 15 goals, you’re probably going to accomplish none of them,” he stated. “We went out there and we had one goal: let’s control the run game on both sides of the ball.”
This victory not only showcases Oregon’s dominance but also raises questions about Montana State’s ability to bounce back from this setback. The Bobcats, known for their explosive rushing offense last season, now face a significant challenge in regaining their footing.
Key players for Oregon included defensive standout A’mauri Washington, who recorded five tackles and played a crucial role in shutting down Montana State’s star running back, Adam Jones. Jones, who had an impressive 1,172 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns last season, was held to just 15 yards on nine carries, aside from a late two-yard touchdown.
Washington expressed the confidence of the Ducks’ defense, stating, “We had the right calls to fit right into it… it’s the standard of continuing to stop the run.” The Ducks’ defensive front was formidable, achieving seven tackles for loss and three sacks throughout the game.
As Oregon (1-0) prepares for their next matchup against Oklahoma State (1-0), all eyes will be on how they maintain this momentum. The Ducks’ emphatic victory sends a clear message: they are a force to be reckoned with this season, especially in their defensive capabilities.
The immediate future holds significant implications for both teams. Oregon aims to build on this momentum, while Montana State needs to regroup and reassess their strategy. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these narratives unfold in the upcoming weeks.
