No. 8 Oregon Dominates Rutgers 56–10, Rebounds Strong After First Loss.

No. 8 Oregon shrugged off last week’s stumble in emphatic fashion, dismantling Rutgers 56–10 on Saturday night in their first-ever meeting.

Quarterback Dante Moore was nearly flawless, throwing for 290 yards and four touchdowns as the Ducks (6–1, 3–1 Big Ten) rebounded from their 30–20 home loss to Indiana. With the win, Oregon extended the nation’s longest active road winning streak to 10 games—a testament to their ability to bounce back with fury.

“I expected our players to play with an edge,” said coach Dan Lanning. “They responded exactly how you want a great team to respond—executing at a really high level.”

The Ducks dominated every statistical category, racking up 750 total yards, including 415 on the ground and 335 through the air—the most by any team this season against a Power Four opponent. Running back Noah Whittington was unstoppable, rushing for 125 yards and two touchdowns while Moore directed five touchdowns on Oregon’s first six drives.

Rutgers, meanwhile, could only watch the avalanche unfold. The Scarlet Knights (3–4, 0–4 Big Ten) were completely outmatched, managing just 202 yards of offense. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis finished 8-for-25 with 79 yards, two interceptions, and constant pressure in his face.

“I’m very disappointed in those numbers,” Rutgers coach Greg Schiano admitted. “We’re not at that level right now, and that’s on me to fix.”

Lanning praised his young quarterback for finding his rhythm again. “He played with joy,” Lanning said. “There are still moments he’ll want back, but overall he executed the plan beautifully.”

Oregon’s defense joined the party too. Freshman Aaron Flowers continued to shine, forcing a fumble, recording five tackles, and grabbing an interception in another standout performance.

The game wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Oregon had eight plays of 30 yards or more, and by the second half, the Ducks’ fans who’d traveled across the country were louder than the home crowd in Piscataway.

“I had to give them some high fives at the end,” Lanning said. “They came all the way across the country to support us, and to feel that energy in an away stadium was unbelievable.”

Takeaways:

– Oregon: A perfect response after the Indiana loss. Moore looked poised, the offense was electric, and the defense suffocated Rutgers.
– Rutgers: After back-to-back bowl seasons, this loss raises real questions about whether the Knights can reach six wins again.

Poll implications:

The Ducks’ emphatic win should boost them a few spots in the next AP Poll and keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.

Next up:

– Oregon hosts Wisconsin on Oct. 25.
– Rutgers travels to Purdue the same day.

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