SEATTLE (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle that defied pregame expectations, the Oregon Ducks methodically dispatched the Washington Huskies 26-14 on a cold Saturday afternoon at a sold-out Husky Stadium.

A crowd of 72,376 watched as Oregon’s defense stifled the Washington offense for the majority of the contest, securing a vital road victory that improved the Ducks’ record to 10-1. Washington fell to 8-3 with the loss.

The game unfolded as a stark contrast to the high-scoring affair projected by oddsmakers, who had installed Washington as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 51.5. The total points of 40 fell well short of that mark, largely due to Oregon’s persistent defensive pressure.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, a Detroit native, orchestrated the Ducks’ offense with precision, completing 20 of 29 passes for 286 yards and a touchdown. He also added a rushing score. His primary target was Malik Benson, who hauled in five catches for 102 yards, including a decisive 64-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Jeremiah McClellan contributed three receptions for 78 yards.

The Ducks set the tone early, taking the opening drive deep into Washington territory before settling for a 46-yard field goal from Atticus Sappington. Oregon extended its lead in the second quarter with a methodical 11-play, 80-yard drive capped by Moore’s 1-yard quarterback sneak for a touchdown.

Washington’s offense, led by quarterback Demond Williams Jr., struggled to find any rhythm against a relentless Oregon pass rush. Williams, from Chandler, Arizona, was consistently under duress, finishing 15 of 30 for 129 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He was also held to 27 yards on 10 carries.

The Huskies’ lone bright spot in the first half came just before the break. Williams engineered a 13-play, 75-yard drive in the final 1:09, culminating in a 3-yard touchdown pass to Denzel Boston with 10 seconds remaining. The score cut Oregon’s lead to 13-7 at halftime and provided a spark for the home crowd.

That momentum was short-lived. Oregon’s defense reasserted itself in the third quarter, forcing a series of punts while the Ducks’ offense added two more Sappington field goals, from 37 and 51 yards, to push the lead to 19-7.

Washington mounted a serious threat early in the fourth quarter, embarking on a 15-play, 69-yard drive that consumed over six minutes. Williams again found Boston, this time for a 13-yard touchdown strike, to pull the Huskies within five points at 19-14 with 8:54 remaining.

The Huskies’ hope for a comeback was extinguished just two plays later. On Oregon’s ensuing possession, Moore connected with Benson on a short pass over the middle, and the receiver broke free for a 64-yard touchdown, restoring a two-score lead at 26-14 and effectively sealing the victory.

Washington’s final two drives ended in turnovers. The first concluded with an interception by Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman with 1:13 left, and the Huskies never regained possession.

Oregon’s defensive dominance was the story of the game. The Ducks recorded multiple sacks and consistently hurried Williams, with linebacker Teitum Tuioti notching 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hurries. Defensive back Bryce Boettcher led the team with 10 tackles and two quarterback hits, while Thieneman added seven tackles, a sack and his crucial interception.

For Washington, running back Adam Mohammed provided a rare consistent offensive weapon, rushing for 105 yards on 14 carries. The Huskies’ defense was led by a standout performance from safety Rylon Dillard-Allen, who registered 11 tackles. Linebacker Zaydrius Rainey-Sale recorded one of the team’s two sacks on Moore.

The victory marks another successful chapter in Oregon’s season, which includes recent wins over Southern California, Minnesota and Iowa. Washington, meanwhile, looks to rebound from a second loss in three games after falling at Wisconsin earlier this month.