Brandon Smith’s Breakout Has Dan Lanning's Attention Amid Running Back Injuries

Oregon Ducks sophomore running back Jordon Davison sustained a leg injury after catching a pass near the sideline and taking a hard hit in the first quarter against the then No. 20 Northwestern Wildcats on Oct. 31.

He was later seen coming out of the locker room in street clothes and on crutches, not to return in the second half.

In his place, true freshman running back Brandon Smith stepped up with a team-leading 82 rushing yards and one touchdown on just eight carries.

Physicality Battle Between Northwestern and Oregon

Oregon coach Dan Lanning knew that Northwestern was going to be a physical team, and unfortunately, multiple players on both sides went down. Even opposing sophomore safety Jon…