O’Neil’s Scrambling Helps Oregon Defeat Texas Tech

Scrambling in and out of the grasp of tacklers as if his jersey were greased, Oregon quarterback Danny O’Neil threw for four touchdowns as the Ducks defeated Texas Tech, 28-13, Saturday night.

O’Neil, a freshman playing in only his second game, completed 19 of 35 passes for 292 yards without an interception.

Oregon Coach Rich Brooks was happy with his young quarterback’s effort. “Danny responded to the adversity of playing on the road and played an outstanding game,” Brooks said. “This is a great win for us--a tough win.”

Oregon (2-0) rolled up 456 yards of offense; Texas Tech (1-1) amassed 340 yards.

O’Neil completed his first eight passes with two going for touchdowns.

Tech’s Jamie Gill was 17 for 27 for 168 yards with one interception. Anthony Stinnett caught eight passes for 98 yards and Anthony Lynn rushed for 94 yards to lead the Red Raiders.

O’Neil kept a crucial 71-yard drive alive late in the third quarter by ducking away from two tacklers and scrambling for a first down on third and five.

Five plays later O’Neil passed five yards to Ronnie Harris for a touchdown and Oregon led, 21-13.