Malik Benson Punt Return Lifts Injury Hit Oregon Ducks vs USC

Malik Benson’s punt return touchdown gave the injury hit Oregon Ducks exactly the spark they needed against USC. The senior wide receiver delivered an 85 yard score on special teams as Oregon searched for answers at a depleted receiver position. His impact came while the Ducks continued to adjust their offense without several key playmakers.

Oregon entered the matchup in Eugene already missing Dakorien Moore, Gary Bryant Jr and Evan Stewart. Even with that thin rotation, the Ducks still found explosive plays through Benson and some creative wrinkles from coach Dan Lanning and his staff. The performance helped Oregon build a two touchdown advantage by halftime in a crucial late season game.

How Malik Benson’s Punt Return Changed The USC Game

Benson set the tone early on offense. On Oregon’s second offensive snap, he hauled in a 24 yard reception that immediately stretched the USC defense. That catch reminded everyone that he is more than just a depth option in a banged up receiver room.

The defining moment came a quarter later on special teams. Fielding a punt around the Oregon 15 yard line, Benson cut to the left sideline and outran multiple USC defenders. He weaved past traffic, turned the corner, and raced to the end zone for an 85 yard punt return touchdown.

The play was not only a highlight, it was a milestone. It marked Oregon’s first punt return touchdown of the season. It was also the program’s first since an early season matchup against Boise State in 2024. In a year where the Ducks have leaned heavily on offense and defense, the special teams jolt arrived at the perfect time.

Benson’s first half did not stop there. He added a 30 yard reception on a later drive, pushing his total to 57 receiving yards on three catches before halftime. With Moore out for a third straight game, Bryant sidelined after his injury at Iowa, and Stewart yet to play this year, Benson has emerged as a trusted target and playmaker.

His recent form reflects that growing role. Across the games against Iowa and Minnesota, Benson recorded 80 receiving yards on four catches, averaging 20 yards per reception. Those chunk plays showed up again versus USC, only this time he added a game swinging special teams score.

Quarterback Dante Moore has made it clear how much he trusts the veteran. In Oregon’s comeback win at Iowa, Benson secured a crucial 24 yard grab on the game winning drive, helping set up the deciding field goal. Moore later said he had complete confidence throwing to Benson in that moment, and the wideout rewarded that faith with a tough contested catch.

Injuries Force Oregon To Get Creative On Offense

The Ducks’ receiver injuries have pushed the coaching staff to dig deeper into the playbook. Lanning has repeatedly spoken about “strength in numbers” and the need for different players to step up. Over the past few weeks, that message has turned into on field reality.

Against USC, Oregon built a 28 14 halftime lead with contributions from several directions. Benson’s punt return touchdown set the tone. Running back Jordon Davison found the end zone on the ground. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq added a touchdown reception in the passing game.

Then the Ducks showcased one of the most creative wrinkles of the night. Linebacker Bryce Boettcher lined up on offense and rushed for a touchdown. For the Eugene native, it was his first career rushing score and it came in what could be his final regular season appearance at Autzen Stadium.

Plays like that are exactly what Lanning hinted at after the injury filled trip to Iowa. He promised that Oregon would keep finding “different” ways to move the ball. Using a linebacker in the red zone and leaning on a senior receiver for explosive special teams plays are perfect examples of that approach.

Boettcher and Benson were among the seniors honored before kickoff. Lanning expressed his gratitude for that group and the standard they have set inside the program. He highlighted how much the Ducks rely on player led leadership, especially during stretches when injuries test the roster.

As Oregon heads toward the end of the regular season, Malik Benson’s punt return and steady production stand out as a key storyline. The main keyword for the Ducks right now is resilience, and Benson’s punt return heroics show how one veteran can tilt a big game even when the depth chart is stretched thin.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was Malik Benson’s punt return distance against USC?

Malik Benson returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown against USC. The play started near the Oregon 15 yard line and ended with him sprinting down the left sideline. It was Oregon’s first punt return touchdown of the season.

Q2: Why is Malik Benson’s punt return important for Oregon?

The punt return shifted momentum in a key late season game against USC. It also showed that Oregon can generate explosive plays on special teams despite injuries at wide receiver. That balance makes the Ducks tougher to defend.

Q3: Which Oregon receivers are currently injured?

Dakorien Moore is missing his third straight game. Gary Bryant Jr was injured at Iowa. Evan Stewart has not played this season. Those absences opened the door for Malik Benson to take on a bigger role.

Q4: How else did Oregon’s offense step up versus USC?

Running back Jordon Davison scored on the ground and tight end Kenyon Sadiq caught a touchdown pass. Linebacker Bryce Boettcher also rushed for a touchdown on a creative red zone call. The mix of contributors kept USC off balance.

Q5: What has Malik Benson done in recent games for Oregon?

In addition to the punt return score, Benson has delivered key catches in the passing game. He made a clutch 24 yard grab on the game winning drive at Iowa. He also posted strong yardage numbers against both Iowa and Minnesota.