EUGENE, OR — Autzen Stadium — What could go wrong did go wrong for Northwestern in its trip to Oregon.

Aidan Chiles threw three interceptions, the Ducks’ defense contributed nine points and Oregon handed the previously unbeaten Wildcats their first loss of the season, 43-13.

It was Chiles’ roughest performance of the season. He completed 13 of 24 passes for 190 yards, with his lone touchdown coming early when he connected with Caleb Komolafe out of the backfield for a 12-yard score that gave Northwestern the first points of the game.

It went downhill from there.

The Ducks took a 21-10 lead with 50 seconds remaining in the first half when Jordan Davison scored on a 1-yard run. Northwestern answered with a 31-yard field goal as time expired, cutting Oregon’s lead to 21-13 at halftime.

Oregon’s defense, fueled by a deafening Autzen Stadium crowd, shut down Northwestern after the break. The Wildcats were held scoreless in the second half as the Ducks piled on 22 unanswered points.

Quarterback Dante Moore connected with Andrew Olesh for a 4-yard touchdown, the only score of the third quarter, to extend Oregon’s lead to 28-13.

By the fourth quarter, the game was well out of Northwestern’s reach. The final blow came with 4:18 remaining when strong safety Koi Perich intercepted Chiles and returned it for a touchdown, pushing the margin to 43-13.

As it stands…

Northwestern dropped to 7-1 with its first loss of the season, while Oregon improved to 5-3. The Wildcats are expected to fall from their current spot in the rankings following the loss, while the Ducks strengthened their position with a decisive win over a ranked opponent.