The Oregon Ducks took on a ranked opponent for the second time this season on Saturday afternoon, and they beat the Illinois Fighting Illini without leaving a doubt. Oregon took control early in the first half and didn’t loosen its grip — walking into halftime up 35-3. After a much slower second half, the Ducks won 38-9.
Oregon’s performance in this game defined a “team win.” On offense, defense, and special teams, every Duck did their job, despite a few mistakes. And while there was no standout performer, running back Noah Whittington is this week’s Ducks Wire Player of the Game.
It’s been a year and a month since Whittington’s devasting ACL tear against Colorado. It was a long road back for Whittington, and at times this season, he hasn’t looked as sharp as he did early in his Oregon career. But this Saturday, Whittington showed he is all the way back. He finished the day with seven carries for 56 yards (8 yards per carry) and a rushing touchdown. Whittington also caught two passes for 20 yards and a TD.
Whittington made the play of the day for the Ducks, scoring on an 18-yard rush in the second quarter. At the end of the run, he had one man to beat on the goal line, and instead of darting to the right or the left, Whittington went straight through the Illinois defender.
“When you get an opportunity to run through a man’s face, there’s nothing better than that,” Head Coach Dan Lanning said after the game.
In the past few seasons, Oregon has adopted a true two-back approach, with the Ducks top two RBs splitting carries. This season, the volume split has skewed towards Jordan James much more than Whittington, but this week Whittington proved he’s still an elite RB.
Next week, the Ducks take on Michigan, the defending national champions. The Wolverines haven’t been nearly as strong this season, but they’re still a good team, especially at home.