The Oregon Ducks suffered a nightmare evening on Saturday after an upset loss to the Utah Utes that also involved multiple season-ending injuries. As a result of the 38-7 humiliation, Mario Cristobal and his Ducks' dreams of reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time in 7 years took a massive hit.

Throughout the season, the Ducks have managed to find solutions to win close games after falling behind. However, there was to be no fightback against the Utes. After settling for two missed first-half field goals, the Oregon team fell behind 21-0. To make matters worse, they gave up a 78-yard punt return touchdown by Britain Covey as the first half came to a close. While the Ducks previously managed to claw back a 10-point halftime deficit against Stanford earlier in the season, there was to be no miracle comeback against Utah.

Head coach Mario Cristobal took responsibility for his team's defeat, saying via ESPN:

“The best way to put it is the responsibility is completely mine. Every head coach should always do that. On the other side, there is a lot to play for — a lot. Most of our goals are still ahead of us. And we got to get ready for them quickly by going back to work and they ain't going to fix themselves, but surely not the standard tonight.”

The Utes defeat will hurt the Ducks, and the multiple injuries suffered during the match will definitely add salt to their wounds. Cristobal confirmed that Johnny Johnson III and Jaylon Redd will both miss the remainder of the season due to injury.

The Ducks must now win their next match against the Oregon State Beavers to set up a rematch with Utah in the Pac-12 title game on December 3.