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Oregon Football: 3 takeaways from thrilling win over Arizona State

By Connor Muldowney

EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 13: Head coach Mario Cristobal of the Oregon Ducks celebrates after his team won the game against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks won the game 30-27. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 13: Head coach Mario Cristobal of the Oregon Ducks celebrates after his team won the game against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks won the game 30-27. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 22: Running back Tony Brooks-James #20 of the Oregon Ducks scores a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 22: Running back Tony Brooks-James #20 of the Oregon Ducks scores a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

2. Turnovers nearly cost the Ducks a win

Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. Oregon has been average on the season in terms of turnover margin, sitting in the nation’s top-50 range with a positive .30 mark per game. That wasn’t the case against Arizona State as the Sun Devils forced four to the Ducks’ one.

The first crucial turnover was a pick thrown by Justin Herbert as the Ducks were driving, up 21-6, with the first half closing down. A 28-6 lead at the half would have likely sealed the deal early on, but Herbert’s interception was returned 50 yards to Oregon’s 22-yard line and the Sun Devils scored on the next play to make it 21-13.

The next interception happened with less than five minutes in the game and the Ducks up 31-29. That wasn’t returned, but it still gave Arizona State a shot to win the game. However, they fumbled it on the ensuing drive.

Two more lost fumbles led to Arizona State points and nearly stole a win right out of the Ducks’ grasp. This team must be better moving forward into the final week and bowl season.

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