Where Oregon's defense, special teams rank statistically after Week 4

In many ways, the offense was the headliner for the Oregon Ducks in their win over the USC Trojans on Saturday night, as they produced 41 points with backup quarterback Dylan Raiola leading the way aided by some impressive catches by his receiving core and the production of two standout running backs.

But the performance of the defense shouldn't be overshadowed. They held the Trojans to just 10 points in the first half and 27 overall, sixteen points below their season average coming in. USC had their moments of moving the ball up and down the field, especially in the third and early into the fourth quarter, but the Ducks buttoned down when it mattered most late, ultimately holding the Trojans to just a single touchdown in the final quarter.

Often

only mentioned when there are major gaffes, the special teams units also did their jobs as kicker Gage Hurych and Bailey Ettridge had strong days in Los Angeles with the coverage units bottling up explosive and talented returners.

With Week 4 coming to a close in college football, let's take a look at where the Ducks' defense and special teams rank in various statistics.

Scoring Defense: No. 72

Sep 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Tanook Hines (16) catches a eleven-yard pass for a touchdown against Oregon Ducks defensive back Ify Obidegwu (7) during the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Points allowed per game: 23.3

Passing Defense: No. 98

Sep 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) drops back to pass against the Oregon Ducks defense during the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Pass yards allowed per game: 231.3

Rushing Defense: No. 42

Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker (17) rushes as Oregon's Ify Obidegwu (7) defends in the first half of the college football game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Oregon Ducks at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Sept., 12, 2026.

Rush yards allowed per game: 113.0

Total Defense: No. 68

Oregon defensive back Aaron Flowers brings down USC tight end Mark Bowman as the Oregon Ducks face the USC Trojans on Sept. 26, 2026, at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.

Total yards allowed per game: 344.3

Third Down Defense: No. 3

Sep 5, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Boise State Broncos tight end Matt Wagner (88) leaps over Oregon Ducks defensive back Davon Benjamin (5) on a pass play during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Third down conversion percentage: 21.2%

Red Zone Defense: No. 85

Oklahoma State's Caleb Hawkins (24) rushed in the first half of the college football game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Oregon Ducks at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Sept., 12, 2026.

Red zone conversion percentage: 87.5%

Sacks: No. 77

Sep 5, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei (10) sacks Boise State Broncos quarterback Maddux Madsen (4) during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Total sacks: 7

Tackles for Loss: No. 127

Oregon outside linebacker Teitum Tuioti pressures Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen as the Oregon Ducks host the Boise State Broncos on Sept. 5, 2026, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

Total tackles for loss: 13

Turnovers Forced: No. 17

Sep 18, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Jett Washington (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the second half against the Portland State Vikings at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Total turnovers forced: 7

Punt Return Defense: No. 32

Sep 12, 2026; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Caleb Hawkins (24) runs with the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the first quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

Average yards per opposing punt return: 3.0

Kickoff Returns: No. 110

Sep 5, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Dakorien Moore (1) carries the ball for a touchdown during the second half against the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Average kickoff return yards: 16.3

Punt Returns: No. 98

Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart carries as the Oregon Ducks host the Boise State Broncos on Sept. 5, 2026, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

Average punt return yards: 6.5

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Where Oregon's defense, special teams rank statistically after Week 4