Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt began the season with the Oregon Ducks projected as the top‑ranked team in the nation, but after their narrow 34‑27 triumph over Boise State he lowered them to seventh place, citing defensive lapses that marred the victory.
The Ducks rallied from a 17‑7 deficit in the third quarter, with the quarterback taking control late in the game, while key contributions came from Dante Moore’s 27‑yard touchdown and a 26‑yard field goal by Gage Hurych that knotted the score at 17‑14.
Although the offense surged, Klatt pointed out that the defense ultimately secured the win, and he criticized the unit’s inconsistency throughout the match, noting that the team’s defensive struggles had been a recurring theme this season.
Upcoming Schedule
The first test will be against USC, a program currently ranked tenth by Klatt, offering an early gauge of the Ducks’ readiness as they travel to Los Angeles to face a formidable opponent.
Following the USC showdown, Oregon will head to Stillwater to meet Oklahoma State, a contest that could further test the Ducks’ defensive adjustments after the Boise State game.
The final listed contest is a home game against Portland State, rounding out a schedule that could determine the Ducks’ standing moving forward as they aim to climb back into the top tier of the poll.