Where Oregon Ducks' defense, special teams rank nationally in key stats following Week 11

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Where Oregon Ducks' defense, special teams rank nationally in key stats following Week 11

We knew that the Oregon Ducks‘ defense was one of the best in the nation entering Week 11. But they were set to take on their most physical opponent yet: the Iowa Hawkeyes. Ranked No. 20 in the debut College Football Playoff rankings, the Hawkeyes’ air attack is subpar; but their ground attack is exquisite thanks to physical offensive line play and a physical running style by their running backs and quarterback Mark Gronowski.

After coming away with an 18-16 victory, it’s safe to say that the Ducks‘ defense was up for the task. They held Iowa to a meager 2.3 yards per carry and forced two critical fumbles, one coming in the red zone.

The special teams units were also excellent, as they corralled an explosive Hawkeyes’ kickoff and punt return. But it was kicker Atticus Sappington who was the star.

He converted on all three of his field goal attempts, including the game-winning kick from 39 yards out in the finals seconds. Entering the game just eight-for-11 on the season, Sappington gained the trust of the team — they couldn’t have done it without his clutch play.

With Week 11 coming to a close, let’s check out where the Ducks‘ defense and special teams rank nationally in several key stat categories.

Scoring Defense: No. 6

Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) runs with the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Jacob Gill (5) blocks Oregon Ducks defensive back Jadon Canady (22) Nov. 8, 2025 during a Big Ten Football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

Points allowed per game: 13.8

Passing Defense: No. 1

Oct 18, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Brandon Finney (4) breaks up a pass intended for Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Kj Duff (8) during the first half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Passing yards allowed per game: 126.1

Rushing Defense: No. 29

Oct 25, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman A'Mauri Washington (52) tackles Wisconsin Badgers running back Gideon Ituka (10) during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Rushing yards allowed per game: 113.2

Total Defense: No. 3

Nov 8, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Bryce Boettcher (28) pressures Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Mark Gronowski (11) during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Total yards allowed per game: 239.3

Third Down Defense: No. 14

Aug 30, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Ify Obidegwu (7) celebrates after breaking up a pass during the first half against the Montana State Bobcats at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Third down conversion percentage: 31.2%

Red Zone Defense: No. 127

Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Roman Hemby (1) runs for a touchdown against Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) during the first quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Red zone conversion percentage: 93.8%

Total Sacks: No. 101

Oct 18, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) avoids a sack by Oregon Ducks linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei (10) during the first half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Total sacks: 15

Tackles for Loss: No. 115

Oregon defensive lineman A'Mauri Washington, left, pressures Wisconsin quarterback Hunter Simmons as the Oregon Ducks host the Wisconsin Badgers on Oct. 25, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

Total tackles for loss: 40

Turnovers Gained: No. 21

Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Brandon Finney Jr. (4) intercepts a pass intended for Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr. (7) during the third quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Total turnovers gained: 13

Kickoff Return Defense: No. 82

Oregon defensive back Brandon Finney Jr. trips up Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton as the Oregon Ducks face the Penn State Nittany Lions on Sept. 27, 2025, at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania.

Average yards per opposing kickoff return: 20.8

Punt Return Defense: No. 1

Montana State wide receiver Jabez Woods hurdles through the defense as the Oregon Ducks host the Montana State Bobcats on Aug. 30, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

Average yards per opposing punt return: -0.5

Kickoff Returns: No. 70

Aug 30, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Noah Whittington (6) catches the opening game kickoff during the first half against the Montana State Bobcats at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Average kickoff return yards: 20.4

Punt Returns: No. 73

Oregon Ducks wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. warms up as the Oregon Ducks host the Oregon State Beavers Sept. 20, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

Average punt return yards: 8.4

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Where Ducks’ defense, special teams rank in key stats after Week 11

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