Oregon’s high-powered offense faces a critical test in the Peach Bowl as injuries and transfers leave the Ducks with just three scholarship running backs. With Noah Whittington questionable and Jordon Davison out, the Ducks must rely on unproven talent against Indiana’s stout defense.
Oregon’s offense has been a force to reckon with this season, averaging 38 points per game, the ninth-best mark among FBS teams. Led by quarterback Dante Moore and tight end Kenyon Sadiq, the Ducks have been a balanced and explosive unit. However, as they prepare for their College Football Playoff semifinal against Indiana, Oregon’s running back depth has been ravaged by injuries and transfers, leaving the team with just three scholarship running backs available.
The Running Back Depth Chart: A Shell of Its Former Self
Oregon’s running back room has been hit hard by attrition. Here’s a breakdown of the current situation:
- Noah Whittington: The team’s leading rusher with 829 yards and six touchdowns, Whittington is listed as questionable for the Peach Bowl. His status is uncertain, and he is expected to be a game-time decision.
- Jordon Davison: The Ducks’ No. 2 rusher with 667 yards and 15 touchdowns, Davison is out with a broken clavicle suffered in the Orange Bowl victory against Texas Tech.
- Jayden Limar: Oregon’s No. 4 rusher, Limar has entered the transfer portal and is not available for the Peach Bowl.
- Makhi Hughes: A transfer from Tulane, Hughes rushed for just 70 yards this season and is also in the transfer portal.
- Da’Jaun Riggs: Riggs, who has 86 rushing yards this season, is listed as out.
This leaves Oregon with just three available scholarship running backs: Whittington (if he plays), Dierre Hill Jr., and Jay Harris. Harris entered the transfer portal on January 7 but is available to play and made the trip to Atlanta.
Who Steps Up? The Remaining Running Backs
With Whittington’s status uncertain and Davison out, the Ducks will likely rely on Dierre Hill Jr. and Jay Harris. Here’s what they bring to the table:
- Dierre Hill Jr.: A freshman, Hill has rushed for 570 yards and five touchdowns this season. He had a breakout performance in the first round against James Madison, rushing for 76 yards and a touchdown on just six carries. He also had a 40-yard reception.
- Jay Harris: Harris has rushed for 116 yards this season, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. While he entered the transfer portal, he is available to play in the Peach Bowl.
Oregon has also moved two defensive players, safety Kilohana Haasenritter and linebacker Brayden Platt, to running back this week to shore up their depth.
What It Means for the Peach Bowl
The Ducks’ running back situation presents a significant challenge against Indiana’s defense. The Hoosiers have been stout against the run this season, and Oregon’s depleted backfield could struggle to establish a consistent ground game.
However, Oregon’s offensive coordinator Will Stein remains confident. “We just find a way,” Stein said. “That’s what we’ve been focused on, is the guys that are available. Just put the ball down and play. I mean, shoot, it’s football, we’ll figure it out.”
The Peach Bowl is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, January 9. Oregon will need to rely on their remaining running backs and potentially get creative with their offensive game plan to overcome Indiana’s defense and advance to the national championship game.
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