Although the Oregon Ducks beat the Michigan Wolverines by 21 points in Week 10, this felt like one of Oregon’s grittiest wins of the season. And on the road in a hostile environment, when injuries were frequent, several depth players stepped up for the Ducks, propelling them to a win.
One of those players to step up was wide receiver Traeshon Holden. At the beginning of the season, I would’ve hesitated to call Holden a “depth player,” but since his ejection against Ohio State for spitting on an opponent, he has not had the same role in the offense. This weekend, Holden was the go-to guy, and it makes him the Ducks Wire Player of the Game.
Holden finished the game with 6 catches (his highest total of the season) for 149 yards (his career high). Oregon’s top WR Tez Johnson was injured early in the first quarter and didn’t return, which is part of why Holden was so involved.
Holden didn’t get in the endzone for Oregon, but he still showed up in big moments. In the second quarter, Holden got open in the middle of the field and took Gabriel’s pass for 38 yards on 3rd and 1. Oregon went on to score on that drive, making the score 21-10. On the Ducks’ next drive, Holden caught another long pass, taking the Oregon to goalline where they’d score on the next play.
In the fourth quarter, with the Wolverines still in striking distance, Oregon needed to move the sticks to take back some momentum. On a 3rd and 5 situation, Gabriel hit Holden on a slant for a big first down. A few plays later, on another third down, Holden hauled in another long ball to ice the game for the Ducks.
That 47-yard catch and run was Holden’s final catch of the day. He finished with three third-down conversions and three 35+ yard receptions.
It’s unclear how severe Johnson’s injury is or how long he’ll be out. If he’s not back soon, Oregon will need Holden and the Ducks’ other WRs to step up, and Holden’s performance today should instill confidence in everyone.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]