EUGENE — The Oregon Ducks are 4-2 at the midway point of their first season under coach Willie Taggart.
That's as many wins at UO had all of last season. Two more victories, and UO reaches bowl eligibility.
Oregon's offense started the season by scoring 42 points in the first half of its first three games. Its defense ranks No. 1 nationally in sacks and in the top-10 in tackles for loss and third-down efficiency.
To that, the Ducks mostly shrug.
The buzz that accompanied UO's 3-0 start has worn off due to numerous injuries, including a fractured collarbone by starting quarterback Justin Herbert that has thrown the offense -- which is tied for the most touchdowns scored this season -- into flux and cast doubt on UO's potential during a brutal October stretch.