REPORT: JUSTIN HERBERT TO START FOR DUCKS AGAINST ARIZONA

On that fateful night in September when Justin Herbert decided to bully his way into the end zone to pad Oregon’s early lead and subsequently fracture his collarbone on his non-throwing shoulder, Oregon fans knew it would be an uphill climb through the stretch run of the season.

And an uphill climb it was. Save for a rushing clinic against Utah that bolstered Oregon’s bowl hopes the Ducks have had oodles of trouble moving the ball and scoring points. At Washington, their 130-game streak of scoring at least one touchdown came to an end.

But according to a report from Brett McMurphy, the Ducks will have their maestro back to conduct the orchestra as Khalil Tate and Arizona roll into town on Saturday.

Coaches Willie Taggart and Marcus Arroyo have both commented on Herbert’s progression this week. And while Arroyo noted that Herbert was likely to be rusty after such a long layoff Taggart had subtly hinted at his return, saying Tuesday there was a “good chance” Herbert would play Saturday and noting on Wednesday “He’s really close. Really close.”

Now it appears the stars have aligned and the lanky gunslinger will be back under center for an Oregon offense in desperate need of a rhythm heading into its last two games, both at Autzen Stadium.

Before his injury the sophomore ranked 16^th in completion percentage in the FBS (68.3), eighth in efficiency, fifth in yards per attempt (10.0), and15th in yards per completion (14.7).