Oregon will be looking for answers this week after an embarrassing 62-20 loss to Utah, the Ducks' most lopsided loss in 30 years, and quarterback Vernon Adams might not be one of them.
The transfer who starred for three years at FCS Eastern Washington was ineffective (2 for 7, 26 yards) and was benched for backup Jeff Lockie in the first half. Adams has been limited early in the season with a broken index finger on his passing hand. And while it's unclear how much of a role that might have played in his performance, the Ducks nevertheless enter October with a question mark at the game's most important position. Lockie wasn't particularly effective either, completing 10 of 20 passes for 139 yards and two interceptions.
Utes quarterback Travis Wilson played the starring role, throwing four touchdown passes and rushing for another touchdown and 100 yards on only six carries. Running back Devontae Booker, a top pro prospect, added 98 yards on 22 carries and threw a 25-yard touchdown pass. Utah improved to 4-0 entering next week's game against one of the nation's top quarterbacks, Cal's Jared Goff.
It was Oregon's worst loss at home since falling 54-0 to Washington in 1977. Utah's 62 points are the most the team has scored against a Pac-12 opponent since joining the league in 2011, and also the most the Ducks have ever allowed in Eugene.
The loss all but eliminated Oregon from the possibility of a second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance, unless it wins all of its remaining games and manages to secure a bid with two losses. Oregon (2-2) travels to Colorado next week.
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