Week 2: Oregon handles Baylor, Bears drop in rankings

Baylor Bears, College FB

WACO, TXOregon controlled the game from start to finish, defeating Baylor 35-21 and handing the Bears their first loss of the season.

With the Ducks shutting down the running game, Baylor leaned almost exclusively on the arm of Walker White, who threw 63 passes and completed 43 for 366 yards and two touchdowns. However, a costly red-zone interception and a failed fourth-down attempt near the goal line proved pivotal in a game where missed opportunities defined the outcome.

Freshman Quincy Robinson emerged as White’s primary target, hauling in 10 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown. Dawson Pendergrass added five catches for 37 yards and a score. Despite the strong passing numbers, Baylor struggled to finish drives.

On the other side, Oregon quarterback James McCauley delivered a near-flawless performance, completing 20 of 23 passes for 383 yards and five touchdowns. Jurrion Dickey and Dakorien Moore each caught two scoring passes as the Ducks’ offense proved explosive throughout.

Ironically, while Oregon dominated the scoreboard, their offensive line showed vulnerability, surrendering nine sacks to a relentless Baylor pass rush — an area the Ducks will need to shore up moving forward.

With the loss, Baylor is expected to slide in the rankings but has a chance to rebound next week against unranked Arizona.

Oregon now turns its attention to a rivalry showdown with Oregon State.