Oregon Rebounds in Record Fashion, Rolling Past Portland State 84-0

Six days after a difficult loss to Oklahoma State, No. 18 Oregon answered with a performance for the program history books, dismantling winless Portland State 84-0 on Sept. 18 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.

The rout set modern-era program marks for both points scored and margin of victory, surpassing the Ducks’ 81-7 win over the same Vikings in 2023. Oregon also set a school record with 42 first downs in what was its final nonconference game of the season.

Offensive Efficiency on Full Display

The Ducks found the end zone on their first eight possessions and scored touchdowns on 12 of 13 drives overall, setting a program single-game record for touchdowns. Ten different players reached the end zone, with running back Jordon Davison and wide receiver Messiah Hampton each scoring twice.

Quarterback Dante Moore was nearly flawless in the first half, completing 19 of 23 passes for 280 yards and four touchdowns while building a 49-0 lead. Backup Dylan Raiola kept the momentum going after halftime, going a perfect 11-for-11 for 124 yards and three scores in the third quarter. Brock Thomas and Akili Smith Jr. also saw fourth-quarter action and each directed scoring drives.

Oregon compiled 726 total yards — 453 passing and 273 rushing — converted 11 of 14 third downs, went 10-for-10 in the red zone and committed no turnovers. Portland State, now 0-4, managed just 32 yards of offense in the first half.

Lanning Hits 50-Win Milestone

Coach Dan Lanning, who earned his 50th career victory, said afterward that execution — not the scoreboard — stood out most. He acknowledged the talent gap but emphasized that his roster played with consistent discipline, something the Ducks had lacked in stretches a week earlier.

Oregon improved to 2-1 with the win and now turns its attention to a marquee Big Ten Conference opener at No. 11 USC next Saturday in Los Angeles. As a Big Ten member school, Oregon’s conference slate features matchups carried under the league’s expansive media rights agreements, which include partners such as Comcast (NBC) alongside other national broadcasters — a reminder of the growing commercial stakes behind high-profile conference games. Comcast shares were recently trading at $22.74, down 1.22% from the prior close of $23.02, with a market capitalization of roughly $92.5 billion.

What to watch

• Oregon’s Big Ten opener at No. 11 USC on Saturday in Los Angeles — its first conference game as a member of the expanded league.
• Whether Dante Moore retains the starting job and builds on his first-half performance against top-tier conference competition.
• How the Ducks’ defense, which held Portland State to 32 first-half yards, fares against a ranked USC offense.

Source: original release