WATCH: Oregon strikes first against Ohio State to cap off 99-yard drive
Oregon struck first against Ohio State on Saturday as CJ Verdell’s 14-yard touchdown run capped off a 99-yard drive for the Ducks.
The touchdown drive came less than 30 seconds into the second quarter after neither team was able to put points on the board in the first 15 minutes. Ohio State pinned the Ducks at their own one-yard line after the Buckeyes 12-play drive ended in a punt.
The Ducks 99-yard touchdown drive was their first touchdown drive of that length since their victory over Portland State in 2018.
The Buckeyes have struggled to advance the ball against Oregon’s defense, garnering just 97 total yards and gaining just six first downs in their first three drives.
Oregon’s offense has relied on the ground game early, rushing for 79 yards through three drives, averaging 7.9 yards per carry. Starting running back CJ Verdell has rushed four times for 39 yards, adding 20 yards receiving on two catches.
Quarterback Anthony Brown has completed four of eight passes for 49 yards, adding two rushes for 27 yards through three drives.
Oregon is without star defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux and linebacker Justin Flowe on Saturday, which makes the Ducks’ defensive performance so far much more impressive.
Thibodeaux is considered one of the top prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft class and has earned hype as a potential No. 1 overall pick. He was dominant in the season opener, forcing a strip sack in the first quarter before leaving with an ankle injury. The 6-foot-5, 258-pound edge rusher later returned to the sideline in a walking boot.
Flowe is the anchor of the defense at middle linebacker. He finished Week One’s win over Fresno State with 14 tackles. Flowe is dealing with a right foot injury suffered during the week.
Oregon leads Ohio State 7-0 with 13:30 left in the second quarter.