Oregon Drops Third Straight to Washington, Falls 34-31 in Pac-12 Championship

Oregon was dominated in the trenches and couldn't overcome a slow start.

No. 5 Oregon’s failed comeback against No. 3 Washington resulted in a 34-31 loss in the Pac-12 Championship Friday night at Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium.

The Ducks came back from a 20-3 deficit in the second quarter, scoring 21 unanswered points to go up 24-20 in the third quarter, but ultimately came up short of a Pac-12 title and a college football playoff berth.

“Can’t start off slow against a good team,” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said after the game.

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning in the Pac-12 championship game :: Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Oregon’s offense started the game with two three-and-outs while the Huskies quickly built a 10-0 lead.

“I think they were just really good,” quarterback Bo Nix said. “And when you look at it, we didn't really get a first down, we didn't get a momentum play. And then in the second quarter, we finally did and we started to move the ball a little bit better. But I just thought the explosive plays weren't there for us tonight.”

Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix throws a pass in the Pac-12 Championship :: Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

That first quarter was the difference in the game.

The Ducks had nine total yards in the first quarter, while Washington had 117 of their own and converted four-of-five third downs. The only third down they didn’t convert resulted in a field goal.

The Huskies dominated third downs all game, with the Washington offense converting 10-of-15 third downs and holding Oregon to 3-of-10. The Ducks had a trio of three-and-outs, all of which were in the first half.

A big reason why the Huskies converted at such a high clip was bruising running back Dillon Johnson.

The Mississippi State transfer had his second-best rushing performance of the year on the conference's biggest stage. He rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns, the most Oregon’s top-ten rushing defense has given up all year.

“I think it just comes down to execution,” linebacker Jeffrey Bassa said “We didn't execute. We weren't in the right fits. From what it seems like on the field.”

Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa tackles Dillon Johnson during the Pac-12 championship :: Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Even though the Ducks looked dead in the water heading into the second quarter, Oregon managed to put together two good drives and went into the locker room trailing 20-10.

Oregon’s first touchdown of the night swung momentum back in their favor as Nix led the Ducks down the field with 1:39 left in the first half.

Nix found Terrance Ferguson as the tight end snagged in the ball with one hand and landed with both feet in the corner of the end zone.

Oregon was aggressive out of halftime, scoring on their first drive as Nix and Ferguson synced up for the second time for six.

But in between Oregon’s three unanswered touchdowns, Nix gave the ball away for the first time all game.

The turnover came after Khyree Jackson intercepted a Michael Penix Jr. pass that was intended for Biletnikoff finalist Rome Odunze, and just two plays later Nix gave the ball back to the Huskies, throwing a pick to Mishael Powell.

“We had a chance to go right back down and score,” Nix said. “They just gave us one, and, you know, I gave it right back. So it's those kind of things, it just leaves you scratching your head and just hurts.”

Oregon’s third touchdown came way of a six-yard rush by Jordan James, giving Oregon its first and only lead going up 24-20.

The Ducks couldn’t hold on to their momentum and allowed Washington to score back-to-back touchdowns, as the Huskies went up 34-24 with 2:44 left in the game.

Traeshon Holden gave the Ducks hope as he capped off a 30-second two-play drive with a 63-yard catch-and-run touchdown.

That would be the last time Oregon would have the ball.

Washington drained the last 2:13 off the clock, winning their third Pac-12 Title with the first 13-0 season in program history.

Oregon now will wait for Selection Sunday, when they'll learn their bowl matchup to close out the 2023 season.

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