By Amber Aniston+
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October 26, 2025
Ducks Grind Out Hard-Fought Win Behind Davison’s Dual Touchdowns EUGENE, Ore. — On a night defined by driving rain, swirling wind, and physical football, the No. 6 Oregon Ducks battled through adversity to earn a 21–7 victory over Wisconsin on Saturday at Autzen Stadium. Freshman running back Jordon Davison carried the offense, rushing for 102 yards and two touchdowns , while backup quarterback Brock Thomas stepped in after Dante Moore’s injury to guide the Ducks to a crucial insurance score in the fourth quarter. The win lifted Oregon to 7–1 overall and 4–1 in Big Ten play , keeping their postseason goals alive. For Wisconsin, the defeat marked its sixth straight loss , dropping the Badgers to 2–6 (0–5 Big Ten) . Despite strong defensive play, the offense struggled again before finally ending a lengthy scoring drought late in the game. Slow Start in Soaked Conditions Autzen Stadium lived up to its reputation as an unpredictable, rain-soaked fortress. Heavy rain and gusting winds turned the first quarter into a defensive standoff, as both teams fought to control the slick ball. Oregon managed only 21 yards and two first downs, while Wisconsin’s defense repeatedly forced punts. The Ducks opened aggressively, attempting an onside kick on the opening play to seize momentum. Although Wisconsin recovered, the bold call hinted at Oregon’s readiness to adapt to the elements. Wisconsin’s young defense impressed early, led by freshman linebackers Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano , both making their first career starts. Posa led all tacklers with 13 stops , the most by a Badger freshman since 2015, and anchored a front that contained Oregon’s run game early. The deadlock finally broke late in the second quarter when Oregon pieced together a 16-play, 99-yard drive that consumed more than eight minutes. Davison capped it with a two-yard touchdown run , putting the Ducks ahead 7–0 just before halftime. Adjustments Spark Second-Half Surge At halftime, Oregon’s focus was clear — commit to the run and control possession. The strategy paid off immediately. On the opening drive of the third quarter, Davison burst through a gap for a 20-yard touchdown , extending the lead to 14–0 and giving the Ducks breathing room amid the rainstorm. Moments later, the Ducks faced a scare when Dante Moore exited with a bloody nose following a collision. Although cleared to return, coaches chose to rest him, turning the offense over to Brock Thomas , a local product from Eugene making his first meaningful appearance. Thomas responded with poise, converting a critical third down on his first series and guiding a five-play, 54-yard drive capped by a one-yard touchdown pass to offensive lineman Gernorris Wilson , who lined up as an eligible receiver. The creative play call stretched the margin to 21–0 early in the fourth quarter. Oregon’s adjustments — short passes, misdirection runs, and deliberate tempo — showcased their adaptability and discipline under pressure. Wisconsin’s Late Push Down three scores, Wisconsin refused to quit. Quarterback Hunter Simmons , who had struggled for most of the night, finally found rhythm in the fourth quarter. Simmons directed a 12-play, 78-yard drive , featuring a 42-yard completion to Eugene Hilton Jr. that brought the Badgers to Oregon’s one-yard line. Two plays later, he hit tight end Lance Mason for a two-yard touchdown , trimming the deficit to 21–7 and ending Wisconsin’s 174-minute scoring drought across three games. Though the late touchdown offered a spark, it came too late to threaten Oregon’s control of the game. Defensive Toughness Defines the Night Defense dominated from start to finish on both sides. Oregon’s secondary, led by Dillon Thieneman and Bryce Boettcher , broke up six passes and limited Wisconsin to just 86 passing yards through three quarters. The Ducks’ front seven controlled the line of scrimmage, holding the Badgers under 100 rushing yards before the final drive. Consistent pressure forced Wisconsin into third-and-long situations and disrupted their offensive rhythm throughout the night. Wisconsin’s defense also showed determination despite extended time on the field. Posa’s 13 tackles led all players, while Matthew Jung and Ben Barten each added double-digit stops. The Badgers notched seven tackles for loss , their most in conference play this year, but eventually wore down under Oregon’s relentless ground game. Davison’s Breakout Season Continues Jordon Davison continued his ascent as one of the nation’s most exciting young running backs. Coming off a 100-yard performance at Rutgers, he once again surpassed the century mark against Wisconsin’s physical defense. His 49 rushing yards on Oregon’s 99-yard scoring drive highlighted his endurance and vision in the wet conditions. Through eight games, Davison has solidified himself as the focal point of Oregon’s offense, blending patience, balance, and power. His success in adverse weather underscored his value to the Ducks’ Big Ten title aspirations. With several offensive injuries, Davison’s consistency has provided the stability and leadership Oregon’s young offense has needed down the stretch. Quarterback Depth Proves Crucial The emergence of Brock Thomas was another bright spot for Oregon. The hometown freshman displayed composure beyond his experience, managing the playbook efficiently and keeping the offense mistake-free. His first career touchdown pass — to Wilson — energized teammates and fans alike. Thomas’s ability to control tempo and make accurate short throws helped Oregon maintain possession and drain the clock in the final quarter. Before his exit, Dante Moore performed effectively, throwing for 86 yards and managing several extended drives that kept Wisconsin’s defense guessing. The combination of both quarterbacks demonstrated Oregon’s depth and readiness to adjust when adversity struck. Wisconsin’s Struggles Continue Wisconsin’s frustrating season extended with another loss characterized by inconsistency and injuries. Missing several starters, including both top running backs and leading tackler Christian Alliegro , the Badgers relied heavily on young players to step into key roles. Freshman running back Gideon Ituka provided a rare offensive highlight, finishing with 85 rushing yards on 21 carries and displaying toughness against one of the Big Ten’s top defensive fronts. Despite flashes of promise, Wisconsin’s fifth straight conference defeat left the team searching for answers ahead of a much-needed bye week. Oregon’s Resilience and Path Ahead The Ducks’ victory was a testament to resilience, preparation, and mental toughness. Despite battling injuries, nine penalties, and relentless rain, Oregon imposed its will on both sides of the ball. At 7–1 , Oregon remains firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation . The defense continues to grow in confidence, and the running game has emerged as a reliable force capable of dictating tempo in any environment. Oregon enters its second bye week with momentum before a critical November stretch that includes a road trip to Iowa , while Wisconsin heads home to face Washington following its bye week. Final Takeaway Oregon’s 21–7 win over Wisconsin showcased grit, adaptability, and depth in the face of adversity. Davison’s two touchdowns , Thomas’s poised debut , and a dominant defensive performance defined a night where fundamentals mattered more than flash. For Wisconsin, the late touchdown provided signs of development among younger players, but offensive consistency remains elusive. For Oregon, this was more than a weather-tested victory — it was another step toward championship contention and proof that the nation’s toughest teams thrive in the harshest conditions.