Oregon Ducks smother Montana 35-3 as Herbert throws 5 TDs again

Justin Herbert threw five touchdowns for a second straight week, and the Oregon Ducks overwhelmed the Montana Grizzlies 35-3 Saturday night at Autzen Stadium to close out non-conference play.

Herbert threw a pair of touchdowns to both wide receiver Johnny Johnson III (8 receptions, 76 yds) and tight end Jacob Breeland (5 catches 49 yards) and also hit Jaylon Redd for a score.   Both of Breeland’s scores came in the opening quarter, Johnson added one a piece in the second and third, and Redd in the final period.  He was replaced by backup Tyler Shough late in the fourth quarter.

Herbert finished the night going 30-for-42 for 316 yards (7.5 y/a), 5 touchdowns and zero interceptions.  For the season, Herbert is now averaging 8.3 yards per pass attempt, with 11 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Oregon led 14-0 after one quarter, but didn’t add a third score until right before halftime when Herbert scramble out of the pocket and hit a diving Johnson in the end zone.  The Ducks led 21-0 at the break.

Though Oregon did not cover the 37-point betting spread, it was another sound victory for Oregon who has now outscored its three opponents 133-36 in three games this season.

No.15 Oregon (2-1) opens Pac-12 play next Saturday at the Stanford Cardinal (4pm, ESPN).  Stanford (1-2, 0-1 P12) lost 45-27 at No.17 UCF on Saturday.