Mallory Ensing
With a 11-0 regular season the Ducks have rightfully earned their No. 1 spot in the College Football rankings. Even with the slow start to the season, two scarily close wins over mediocre teams that the Ducks were expected to easily beat. The Ducks rebounded fast with a 35-point victory over the Oregon State Beavers and a 1-point victory over the No. 2 ranked team in the nation at the time, the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been a major part of their success so far this season and he has firmly planted himself in the most valuable player conversation, also known as the Heisman.
This season, he also broke the college football all-time passing touchdown record, which was previously set at 178 touchdowns.
The Ducks’ excellent season isn’t just because of Gabriel though. Star receivers Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart, who have a combined 111 receptions for 1258 yards and 13 touchdowns, have also been a major part of the Ducks success so far.
This success is welcome for Ducks fans around the school. They hope the Ducks will finally take this success to the playoffs and through it by winning the National Championship.
“I think the Ducks will win the Championship, they’ve had an undefeated season even though they switched conferences,” said junior Mckenzie Helle.
The Ducks look to continue their regular season success in the playoffs and hope to earn a first round bye with a win in the Big Ten championship against Ohio State.