Royce Freeman ran for 150 yards and four touchdowns and the Ducks routed the Thunderbirds 77-21 on Saturday for Taggart’s debut as Oregon’s head coach. It was the most points for the Ducks in a single game since 1916.
Kani Benoit ran for 107 yards and three additional scores for the Ducks, who had an Autzen Stadium-record nine rushing touchdowns in the game. Justin Herbert completed 17 of 21 passes to finish with 281 yards and a touchdown. It was Oregon’s seventh straight season-opening win.
Taggart was hired to right the Ducks after a disappointing 4-8 finish last season.