Oregon in deep trouble after historic upset loss to Oklahoma State

The Cowboys dominated on the ground, earning 5.9 yards per rush on 40 attempts (237 yards) to Oregon's three yards per attempt (90 yards on 30 carries).

Between the two starting quarterbacks, Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker looked like a potential Heisman finalist and top 2027 NFL Draft pick, not Oregon's Dante Moore. Mestemaker, who followed Morris from North Texas this offseason, finished 26-of-43 for 317 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 109 rushing yards and another score on six carries, including a 75-yarder on the Cowboys' first play from scrimmage.

He also showed off his legs on his rushing touchdown, leaping over a defender and falling into the end zone to reclaim the lead early in the fourth quarter.

Oregon has a lot to clean up after a dismal start to the season, which also included a tight 34-27 home win over the Boise State Broncos in Week 1. After ranking near the top 10 in both scoring offense (No. 11) and scoring defense (No. 12) a season ago, the Ducks haven't been nearly as sharp, likely a result of losing offensive coordinator Will Stein and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi to head-coaching jobs.

On Saturday, Oregon had as many three-and-outs (four) as scoring drives (four), one of which started at Oklahoma State's 1-yard line following a Mestemaker interception. Overall, it averaged 19 yards per drive, showing an inability to stay on the field.

Defensively, the Ducks were also dysfunctional, failing to generate much pressure while finishing without a sack and only one tackle for loss.

Oregon should get some momentary relief by welcoming FCS Portland State on Friday, but a trip to No. 14 USC to open Big Ten play could extend the program's woes. By the end of September, its playoff hopes might be on life support.

Coming off two consecutive CFP trips and with several members of last year's squad returning, Oregon had every reason to be thought of as one of the nation's best heading into 2026. But only two weeks into the season, that perception has drastically changed.

No team has been a bigger disappointment through two games. And it's anyone's guess if the Ducks will get out of their funk. If Lanning had an answer, they wouldn't be in this position.