Photo credit: @oregonfootball

By Jeremy Kahn

SANTA CLARA — Justin Herbert changed the Redbox Bowl with just one toss to Dillion Mitchell and the Oregon Ducks.

Herbert threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Mitchell early in the fourth quarter, as the Ducks defeated the Michigan State Spartans 7-6 at Levi’s Stadium.

The Spartans dropped a chance to possibly win the game, as Brian Lewerke was unable to hold onto the ball on a potential game-winning field goal late in the fourth quarter.

Herbert, who announced last week that he was returning to Eugene for another year, threw for 166 yards and stretched his streak to 28 games for touchdown passes.

“We felt like it was going to be that kind of game just watching them on defense,” said Ducks head Mario Cristobal. “We kept battling and battling. You take a victory whether it be one point, two points or 50 points. These guys found a way to get it done.”

The Ducks crossed midfield only three times and were not able to get on the scoreboard until Herbert found Mitchell for the only touchdown of the game.

Late in the game, the Spartans were getting ready for a potential game-winning 50-yard field goal; however, Lewerke, who is also the holder, was unable to hold to the ball, then tried to run, but then threw an incomplete pass near the Ducks sideline.

“It’s one that I have to come up with,” Lewerke said. “The ball kind of hit my hand on top of the ball. I tried to make something happen. That’s what happens.”

Following a three-and-out by the Ducks, the Spartans got the ball back, as they got the ball back at their own 42; however, Lewerke’s pass on 4th-and-12 was knocked down by Ducks cornerback Thomas Graham to secure the victory for the Ducks.

On the afternoon, Lewerke went 22-for-40 for 172 yards with an interception, as the Spartans were unable to get into the end zone for the third time in their past four games.

LJ Scott carried the ball 24 times for 84 yards, as he ended his Spartans career with a one-point defeat. Scott, who played in just five games decided against redshirting and is leaving East Lansing, as he declared for the NFL draft earlier this month.

Matt Coghlin kicked two 34-yard field goals to give the Spartans a 6-0 lead until Herbert found Mitchell for the game-winning touchdown. Coghlin missed a 50-yard field goal.

“We never got that bust-out play,” Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said. “You’re not going to win many games scoring six points.”

Mitchell ended the day with six catches for 70 yards, as he set the single season school record with 1,184 yards, breaking the record set by Josh Huff in 2013, as he gained 1,140 yards.

NOTES: Defensive end Kenny Willekes left the game in the third quarter on a cart, as he broke his left fibula. On the season, Willekes led the Spartans in sacks with 8.5.

UP NEXT: The Spartans will open the season at Spartan Stadium on August 31 against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.