13 takeaways from Oregon Ducks’ comeback over Washington State

The Oregon Ducks defeated Washington State 44-41 on Saturday. The Ducks (3-1, 1-0 Pac-12) prepare to host Stanford (1-2, 0- 2) at Autzen Stadium on Sunday at 8 p.m.

Bo Nix threw for 428 yards and two touchdowns in the game against Georgia. He is redefining himself as a passer. NIX has improved his efficiency on third downs this season. He has two touchdown passes in his last 8 drives. His one interception against the Bulldogs was the only negative. The team won the match. It was Niz's first game since leaving Auburn.

The fourth down pass to Bucky Irving on fourth-and-two was crucial for Oregon Ducks' comeback over Washington State.

Mase Funa made the biggest play of his career to seal the win for Oregon Ducks over Washington State. The junior was a situational run-stopping linebacker last season.

Bucky Irving and Noah Whittington are emerging as the Oregon Ducks' lead back. They each had 11 carries and gained 81 and 69 yards, respectively. Irving also had five catches for 38 yards and a touchdown.

Troy Franklin had a career-high 137 yards and a touchdown in Oregon's comeback win over Washington State. Franklin has 20 catches for 339 yards with two touchdowns this season. He is well on his way to a 1,000-yard season and is a top 10 recruit.

Oregon Ducks' pass defense needs a major overhaul. Washington State converted on third-and-long easily. Oregon has been playing corners on sides of the field but Christian Gonzalez should play more on the side of field. Oregon allowed 67.7% completions on 3rd down.

Justin Flowe made a tackle for loss that was pivotal in the comeback for Oregon Ducks. Washington State had to punt with 2:44 to go.

Oregon had eight penalties for a season-high 87 yards. DJ Johnson's unsportsmanlike penalty and Khamari Terrell's kick catch interference penalty helped Washington State score a touchdown. Brandon Dorlus was penalized for roughing the passer.

Missed tackles were a problem for Oregon in the game against Washington State. When it mattered late the defense came through, but few defenders were immune from it.

Cameron Ward is an Air Raid quarterback with more athleticism than traditional pocket passers. He will challenge every Pac-12 defense he plays this season. He made some remarkable plays, with the flip pass while falling being at the top of the list.

Washington State's red zone defense was stellar early. Oregon settled for three field goals in the first half.

The major officiating error was inexcusable. The volume of reviews made for an even longer game. DJ Johnson's targeting penalty on DJ Dorlus will be called every time. The roughing the passer on Dorus was not malicious but the fan base of the quarterback will want the call.

Adam Barry's 37.29 yards per punt ranks very low nationally. Ross James punted for the first time this season during the fourth quarter.