Oregon football trailed Ohio State 14-3 with less than two minutes left in the first half on Saturday, Nov. 7. Then, the Ducks got tricky.
The Ducks took a 17-14 lead into the break on a gutsy call, deciding to take their chances at a touchdown rather than a field goal, which would have made it a one-point game, with two seconds left before halftime. Oregon lined up with only three offensive linemen on Ohio State's goal line, along with seven players out wide.
The Ducks made it appear like they were throwing a screen pass to the outside with lead blockers but instead put Jamari Johnson in motion and direct snapped the ball to the big tight end, who fought off multiple defenders for the 2-yard touchdown as clock expired.
This formation and this
call 🔥 No. 23 @oregonfootball scores on the final play of the first half at No. 12 Ohio State. Watch on CBS pic.twitter.com/s6HuZSwPz2
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 7, 2026
It's the kind of play that can shift the game, especially in a make-or-break situation. Just like that, a pair of trick plays ultimately gave Oregon a 14-point swing in less than three minutes of game clock.
It wasn't the only trick play the Ducks had up their sleeves, either: Oregon's first touchdown was set up by a fake punt in which edge rusher Teitum Tuioti received a direct snap and threw a jump pass to fellow defender Matayo Uiagalelei for 30 yards with under three minutes to go in the second quarter.
The trick play led to a 9-yard rushing touchdown by running back Dierre Hill Jr., before Oregon quickly regained possession on a costly interception by Ohio State quarterback Luke Fahey, a true freshman making his second career start.
Advice: Stay for the replays of this @oregonfootball fake punt 👀
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 7, 2026
Watch on CBS pic.twitter.com/ki0dgCtzeD
As poorly as things have gone for Oregon this season, it's still in College Football Playoff contention. A win against Ohio State would go a long way toward the Ducks' goals, while also being a potential deadly blow to the Buckeyes' CFP chances.
The game isn't over, but Oregon is pulling out all the stops in a must-win game against Ohio State. The end to the first half might also be the nail in the coffin for the Buckeyes and a signal of hope for Oregon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Two trick plays, two Oregon touchdowns: Ducks show guts vs Ohio State
