What Is 2019 Oregon Ducks football team

Overview

The 2019 Oregon Ducks football team represented the University of Oregon during the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Pac-12 North Division, the team was led by second-year head coach Mario Cristobal and played its home games at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.

The Ducks finished the regular season with a 9-3 record, securing a spot in the Pac-12 Championship Game after winning the North Division. Although they lost the conference title game to Utah, their strong performance earned them an invitation to the Alamo Bowl.

• Regular season record: Oregon posted a 9-3 mark, including a 7-2 record in Pac-12 conference play, good for first in the North Division.
• Pac-12 Championship Game: The Ducks faced the Utah Utes on December 6, 2019, losing 38-37 in a close matchup that decided the conference champion.
• Bowl game victory: Oregon defeated the Texas Longhorns 28-27 in the 2020 Alamo Bowl on January 2, 2020, marking their second consecutive bowl win under Cristobal.
• Quarterback performance: Justin Herbert, a senior, threw for 3,143 yards and 29 touchdowns, completing 68.7% of his passes before entering the 2020 NFL Draft.
• Final ranking: The team finished the season ranked No. 14 in the final AP Poll and No. 15 in the Coaches Poll, reflecting a successful campaign.

Key Players and Performance

The Ducks relied on a balanced offense and a resilient defense throughout the season, with standout contributions from several key athletes. Their success was driven by leadership on both sides of the ball and strong special teams play.

• Justin Herbert: Threw for over 300 yards in five games and was named a finalist for the 2019 Senior CLASS Award for excellence in community, classroom, character, and competition.
• CJ Verdell: Rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns on 219 carries, becoming the first Oregon running back since 2014 to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season.
• Jacob Breeland: The senior tight end recorded 47 receptions for 615 yards and six touchdowns before suffering a torn ACL in the Pac-12 title game.
• Thomas Graham Jr.: A cornerback who recorded four interceptions and 12 pass breakups, emerging as a key piece of Oregon’s secondary.
• Brady Breeze: The safety recorded 77 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and two interceptions, anchoring the defensive backfield.
• Isaiah Wynn: Though not on the 2019 roster (he played earlier), the offensive line improved under coordinator Marcus Mariota’s guidance, allowing only 19 sacks all season.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2019 Oregon Ducks compared to key opponents and prior seasons across critical performance metrics.

The data shows that the 2019 Ducks improved defensively compared to 2018 while maintaining a high-powered offense. They outperformed Texas in nearly every statistical category during their Alamo Bowl matchup, despite the narrow final score. Their performance against Utah highlighted their competitiveness at the elite level, losing by just one point in the Pac-12 title game.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was a pivotal year for Oregon football, reinforcing the program's resurgence under Mario Cristobal and setting the stage for future success. It demonstrated continuity in development, player growth, and national relevance.

• NFL Draft impact: Justin Herbert was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2020 NFL Draft, the highest-drafted Oregon player since 1996.
• Recruiting momentum: The team’s success helped secure a top-15 recruiting class in 2020, including five-star prospects like Kayvon Thibodeaux.
• Program stability: Cristobal’s leadership solidified Oregon as a consistent Pac-12 contender after a brief lull following the 2014 national championship run.
• Offensive identity: The Ducks continued their tradition of fast-paced, high-scoring football, averaging over 34 points per game despite losing key skill players from 2018.
• Defensive improvement: The team allowed 36.1 fewer yards per game in 2019 compared to 2018, showing progress under defensive coordinator Andy Avalos.
• Bowl game legacy: Winning back-to-back New Year’s Six-adjacent bowls boosted Oregon’s national profile and fan engagement heading into 2020.

The 2019 season reaffirmed Oregon’s status as a powerhouse in the Pac-12 and a program capable of competing for national titles in the coming years. With strong recruiting, NFL-caliber talent, and consistent coaching, the Ducks remained a major player in college football.