ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Dillon Gabriel threw a touchdown pass and ran for a score in another efficient performance from the Heisman Trophy front-runner, leading No. 1 Oregon to a 38-17 win over Michigan on Saturday.
The Ducks (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten) seemed to get a break on their first touchdown when Gabriel's 2-yard pass to Evan Stewart appeared to be dropped , but they didn't need much good fortune to stay unbeaten. The Wolverines (5-4, 3-3) pulled into a 7-all tie on Davis Warren's 7-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Morris, taking advantage of backup returner Ryan Pellum fumbling on a punt return. They trailed the rest of the game.
Oregon had 304 yards of offense in the first half and led 28-10 at halftime before cooling off. The Wolverines had a chance to pull within a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, but turned it over on downs at the Ducks 10 on a trick play with receiver Semaj Morgan throwing to backup quarterback Alex Orji. Gabriel finished 22 of 34 for 294 yards with a touchdown and sprinted up the middle for a 23-yard touchdown run to give Oregon an 18-point halftime lead.
The Ducks overcame the loss of No. 1 receiver and punt returner Tez Johnson with an apparent shoulder injury in the first quarter against. On Oregon's second snap, Johnson caught an 11-yard pass and landed on his right shoulder as he was tackled to the turf.
He returned to the sideline out of uniform with his right shoulder in a sling . Johnson leads the Ducks and is among NCAA leaders with 6.
