Oregon Scores Twice on Trick Plays Before Half
Oregon used a fake punt and a direct snap touchdown to overturn a 14-3 deficit against Ohio State.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Track & Field
Oregon trailed Ohio State 14-3 with less than two minutes left in the first half before using two trick plays to score two touchdowns. The sequence gave Oregon a 17-14 halftime lead over the Buckeyes.
Why it matters
The 14-point swing before halftime changed the complexion of the game and shifted momentum toward Oregon. A win would strengthen Oregon's College Football Playoff hopes, while a loss could seriously damage Ohio State's chances.
The two touchdowns came on a 9-yard rushing score by Dierre Hill Jr. and a 2-yard tight end score as the first half expired, with a 30-yard fake-punt jump pass in between. Ohio State's second-year starting quarterback Luke Fahey, a true freshman making his second career start, threw an interception during the stretch.
The players
Oregon Ducks
The University of Oregon's football program, which used the trick plays to erase a 14-3 deficit before halftime.
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State University football program, a national power whose College Football Playoff hopes were at stake in the game.
Luke Fahey
Ohio State's true freshman quarterback, making his second career start, who threw an interception during the stretch.
The details
With under two minutes left in the first half, Oregon lined up with three offensive linemen on Ohio State's goal line and seven players out wide, then put Jamari Johnson in motion before direct snapping the ball to the big tight end, who fought through multiple defenders to score. Earlier, Oregon's first touchdown was set up by a fake punt in which edge rusher Teitum Tuioti took a direct snap and threw a 30-yard jump pass to Matayo Uiagalelei.
Timeline
Saturday, November 7, 2026: Oregon vs. Ohio State game
Under three minutes left in the second quarter: Fake punt jump pass to Uiagalelei for 30 yards
Two seconds left before halftime: Oregon chose a touchdown attempt over a field goal
Season Trajectory
A head-to-head win over Ohio State would weigh heavily in the College Football Playoff selection committee's evaluation of Oregon's résumé. For Ohio State, a loss to a fellow contender would narrow its margin for error in the playoff race.
The sequence shows how a fake punt and a direct-snap tight end touchdown can flip a game in under two minutes, which matters for fantasy and betting lineups built around game-script assumptions. Fans tracking Oregon's playoff standing should watch how the result affects the committee's view of the two programs.
The takeaway
Trick plays can reshape a game's momentum in seconds, and Oregon's halftime sequence shows that a deficit with little time left is not settled. Watch how both teams adjust their second-half plans after the 17-14 halftime margin.
Further reading
For more on the sport's broader competitive picture, see Track & Field coverage.
