Ducks make quick work of Vikings

EUGENE, Ore. – Reserve Jeremiah Johnson ran for 90 yards and three touchdowns to lead No. 25 Oregon to a 55-12 victory over Division I-AA Portland State on Saturday.

Johnson had scoring runs of 1, 6 and 1 yards in the first half to help the Ducks (6-2) overcome an early surge from the Vikings (5-4).

Oregon seemed to be in control midway through the first quarter after jumping out to a 14-0 lead.

Portland State’s Mu’Ammar Ali kept it close, rushing for 127 yards in the first half, including a 57-yard TD run to bring the Vikings within 21-12 early in the second quarter.

Johnson, filling in for injured starter Jonathan Stewart, quickly answered with two touchdowns in the final 4:15 of the second quarter, helping Oregon to a 35-12 halftime lead.

Benched at halftime of Oregon’s 34-23 loss at Washington State a week ago, Dennis Dixon rebounded with a solid effort against the Vikings, completing 13 of 23 passes for 150 yards and one TD. He also rushed for 42 yards on six carries.

Oregon’s Jaison Williams had eight catches for 112 yards and a touchdown, his fifth 100-yard receiving game of the season.

Ali finished with 139 yards on 23 carries.

Dixon capped an eight-play, 72-yard drive with an 11-yard toss to Williams in the back of the end zone, giving the Ducks a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter. Dixon was 6 for 6 on the drive for 50 yards.

The Oregon defense made it a route in the second half, limiting the Vikings to 62 yards in the final two quarters.

Portland State never advanced past its own 46 in the second half. Oregon forced four turnovers and had five sacks.

Paul Martinez kicked two second-half field goals, A.J. Tuitele returned an interception 26 yards for a TD and Andiel Brown scored on a 7-yard run to cap the scoring for the Ducks.