The Oregon Ducks showcased a dominant performance on Friday night, blanking Purdue 35-0 in a road victory that highlighted their championship-caliber defense. It was Oregon’s first road shutout in more than 30 years, a testament to how well this unit is clicking at the perfect time in the season. Against a struggling Purdue squad, the Ducks controlled every aspect of the game from the opening kickoff to the final whistle.
First road shutout since beating Oregon State 7-0 in Corvallis in 1992.
This was a bit more dominant, with a bit more travel.#GoDucks https://t.co/yeMRX1Uxie
— Jon Helmkamp (@JonHelmkamp) October 19, 2024
Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne struggled throughout the night, completing only 9 of 19 passes for 93 yards with one interception. Oregon’s secondary locked down his receiving options, forcing Purdue to rely heavily on the run game. While the Boilermakers managed 208 rushing yards on 40 attempts, they never came close to scoring. Oregon’s defense made sure every yard gained on the ground was hard-fought.
The Ducks’ defensive front wreaked havoc, with Matayo Uiagalelei and Jamaree Caldwell leading the charge. They recorded three sacks and racked up 10 tackles for loss, constantly pressuring Browne and disrupting the Boilermakers’ rhythm. Purdue simply had no answer for the relentless pursuit of Oregon’s defense.
The standout play of Oregon’s secondary was also a key factor in the win. Defensive weapon Brandon Johnson continued to shine, doing a little bit of everything, while cornerback Jabbar Muhammad cemented his status as one of the best corners in the country. Muhammad consistently gave Purdue’s receivers fits, blanketing them all night and eliminating passing lanes.
This defensive performance underscores Oregon’s championship potential. Their ability to not just win but dominate lesser opponents reflects the mindset of a team primed for a deep postseason run. However, tougher tests await. Oregon faces ranked opponents in back-to-back weeks—No. 22 Illinois and No. 24 Michigan—where they’ll need to maintain the same intensity to prove their playoff aspirations are legitimate.
If Oregon’s defense can continue playing at this elite level, they’ll be hard to stop. The shutout against Purdue not only breaks a decades-long drought but also sends a clear message: the Ducks are for real, and they are coming for the top spot in college football.
