Oregon football hosted the struggling San Jose State Spartans in Week 3. The Ducks took care of business at home, easily winning 35-22.
The Oregon Ducks received the ball on the opening kick and were forced to punt on their first drive. However, after the third play for the San Jose State opening drive, the ball was intercepted, beginning the downward spiral for the Spartans. The Ducks sent their offense to take over at the San Jose State 23 yard line. After four plays and a little more than 90 seconds, Oregon scored their first touchdown.
The next Duck possession had a similar story. Oregon’s second drive ended quickly after it started when quarterback Justin Herbert completed a 66-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Breeland. Herbert, a junior, had a strong game, but still showed areas that need improving before the Ducks face off against better opponents in the Pac-12. Although Herbert passed 309 yards and three touchdowns, he also completed only 47 percent of his passes and threw two interceptions.
By the end of the first half, the score read, Oregon 21 – San Jose State 6. SJSU was able to convert on two field goals in the first half. The kicking game was the high point for the Spartans. Senior Bryce Crawford complete all three of his field goal attempts and his lone extra point attempt.
Oregon came out early in the third quarter and scored with ease on a short one yard run by Cyrus Habibi-Likio. In the fourth quarter, the Spartans scored 10 points, but their offensive push was too little, too late. The game ended, Oregon 35 – San Jose State 22.
The Ducks are ranked at number 20 and will likely only move up a spot or two after this week. Frankly, Oregon easily beat San Jose State, but did not give off enough to suggest they are unstoppable. With Stanford and Washington ranked No. 9 and 10 respectively, the Ducks have their hands full in the Pac-12 North. Oregon will have to improve dramatically on defense and significantly lower their unforced turnovers if they want to stand a chance against the fellow Pac-12 giants.