The Oregon Ducks may be on an 8-0 streak, solidifying their position as a top team in college football, but a concerning trend is emerging: the Ducks consistently struggle in the third quarter. Despite a dominant first half in their recent victory over Michigan, Oregon managed only a field goal in the third, marking the first time they’ve scored in that quarter since their game against Michigan State nearly a month ago. In fact, Oregon hasn’t found the end zone in the third quarter since September 14, when they faced Oregon State.
This mid-game slump has led to some tense moments, as opposing teams use the third quarter to claw back. In the game against Michigan, the Ducks saw their comfortable lead narrow to 29-17, sparking concern over their inability to maintain momentum right after halftime. Head coach Dan Lanning acknowledged the issue, stressing that it’s something the team is actively addressing.
For a team with championship aspirations, this pattern is troubling. Oregon’s offense, known for its explosive versatility, needs to maintain consistency throughout all four quarters, especially with the College Football Playoffs on the horizon. Without improvement, this third-quarter dormancy could prove costly against top-tier opponents.
