For the second straight week, it was the Oregon Ducks defense that allowed for the team to have a chance to win in the end. They ultimately fell against the UCLA Bruins
in Week 6, as the offense couldn't get it going until it was too late. That wasn't the case in Week 7 against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, as the Ducks surrendered just 14 points and had timely stops in allowing backup Dylan Raiola a chance for a game-winning drive.The stars of the defense on Saturday night were all along the defensive line, a front four that started together in 2025 but hadn't quite put it together yet in 2026. That has officially happened over the past two weeks, with the defense combing for 15 tackles for loss during that span as opposed to just nine during Oregon's
three previous matchups with FBS opponents.
The defensive line is getting penetration, allowing the linebackers to clean up whatever mess is left. And against Nebraska, the secondary was terrific as well, remaining sticky while quarterback Anthony Colandrea broke the pocket and looked downfield.
Special teams was also a strength, as kicker Gage Hurych went 3-for-3 and punter Bailey Ettridge had a solid day on seven boots.
Let's break down where Oregon's defense and special teams rank nationally in various statistical categories.
Scoring Defense: No. 42
Points allowed per game: 20.7
Passing Defense: No. 78
Pass yards allowed per game: 215.7
Rushing Defense: No. 33
Rush yards allowed per game: 111.7
Total Defense: No. 41
Total yards allowed per game: 327.3
Third Down Defense: No. 3
Third down conversion percentage: 25.9%
Red Zone Defense: No. 62
Red zone conversion percentage: 81.8%
Sacks: No. 81
Total sacks: 12
Tackles for Loss: No. 107
Total tackles for loss: 28
Turnovers Forced: No. 20
Total turnovers forced: 11
Punt Return Defense: No. 2
Average yards per opposing punt return: -1.0
Kickoff Returns: No. 133
Average kickoff return yards: 12.8
Punt Returns: No. 82
Average punt return yards: 8.2
Contact/Follow@Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opin
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Where Oregon's defense, special teams rank after Week 7 win
