Bo Nix, Oregon football pulverize Portland State

No. 15 Oregon Ducks dominate Portland State in a record-setting 81-7 victory, showcasing a high-powered offense and overwhelming defense.

In the final year of Oregon's tenure in the Pac-12, there was a game that may not stand out in the memories of many, but it served its purpose for the No. 15 Ducks. The season-opener against lowly Portland State was essentially a glorified scrimmage, with the Ducks piling on the stats and offensive fireworks.

Bo Nix had an impressive game, throwing for 287 yards and three touchdowns. Jordan James contributed with three rushing touchdowns, while Bucky Irving added two of his own. Troy Franklin and Gary Bryant Jr. each caught two touchdown passes. The final score was a lopsided 81-7 in favor of Oregon, setting a program record for scoring and the largest margin of victory in Autzen Stadium history. It's worth noting that this was the first time a FBS team had scored 80 or more points in a game since 2015.

Despite a lone touchdown drive by Portland State, which showcased some impressive runs, the Vikings struggled to generate offense and went three-and-out six times. Their quarterback, Dante Cachere, had a tough day, completing just 5 of 14 passes for 35 yards with a touchdown. He also had six carries for 53 yards. Portland State received a hefty sum of $575,000 for participating in the game.

The Ducks, on the other hand, were unstoppable on offense, racking up a total of 707 yards. They didn't fail to score on a single possession until their 12th, which occurred in the fourth quarter. Oregon also gave its true freshmen players some playing time, including running backs Dante Dowdwell and Jayden Limar, who contributed to the scoring frenzy in the final quarter.

The standout performer of the game was Bo Nix, who completed 23 of 27 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns. Jordan James had an impressive outing as well, rushing for 86 yards and three touchdowns. Bucky Irving made a significant impact with four carries for 119 yards and two touchdowns, as well as three catches for 30 yards. Troy Franklin and Gary Bryant Jr. were reliable targets for Nix, combining for 14 catches, 206 yards, and four touchdowns. On the defensive side, Tysheem Johnson stood out with four tackles, including one for a loss, and a pass breakup. As for Portland State, Dante Cachere's struggles were evident, completing just 5 of 14 passes for 35 yards with a touchdown, and rushing for 53 yards on six carries.

The turning point of the game came when Portland State failed to convert on a fourth-and-six from the Oregon 40-yard line early in the second quarter. The Ducks capitalized on this opportunity, scoring on the subsequent drive. They then recovered a fumble on the kickoff and scored again, effectively blowing the game wide open.

Overall, while this game may not be remembered as a classic, it showcased the offensive prowess of the No. 15 Ducks. They set records, dominated their opponent, and provided valuable playing time for their young talents. It was a promising start to their final year in the Pac-12.