Oregon’s College Football Playoff hopes are still alive, though only just. Michigan, meanwhile, is facing growing questions about head coach Kyle Whittingham’s future after a 31-7 loss on Saturday.
No. 16 Oregon improved to 7-3, while Michigan fell to 5-5. The result could leave Whittingham’s first season in Ann Arbor as his only one, while the Ducks have a chance to keep their playoff push going.
Oregon struck early, scoring touchdowns on two of its first three drives. Quarterback Dylan Raiola found Jeremiah McClellan for a 60-yard score to put the Ducks ahead, then connected with running back Da’Juan Riggs on a short pass for Riggs’ first career receiving touchdown. Oregon led 14-0.
Michigan responded with a 70-yard touchdown run by Savion Hiter, cutting the margin to 14-7. The Wolverines appeared to be heading into halftime down by one score, but Oregon added another just before the break. Raiola scrambled out of the pocket and hit Dakorien Moore, who had slipped behind the defense, for a 59-yard touchdown.
Michigan switched quarterbacks after halftime, replacing Bryce Underwood with Tommy Carr in search of a spark. Early in the fourth quarter, the Wolverines reached Oregon’s 3-yard line, but the Ducks stopped them short and took over on downs.
Oregon added to its lead when Dierre Hill Jr. caught a screen pass and turned it into a 49-yard touchdown. With a little over four minutes left, Whittingham put Underwood back in to finish the game.
The Ducks face Michigan State next. A win would be important if they hope to remain in the playoff conversation.
Michigan’s final two games are against ranked teams: No. 4 UCLA next week, followed by No. 20 Ohio State. Those results could bring further changes in Ann Arbor.
