EUGENE — Dillon Gabriel repeatedly used the word “strenuous” when describing Oregon’s lackluster 24-14 win over Idaho on Saturday.

The Ducks’ star player didn’t have to worry about his connection to wide receiver Tez Johnson, who led the way and tied a personal best with 12 receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns — including the one that put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter.

“We really clicked,” Johnson said. “I told (Gabriel) every ride that I believe in him. I could see on his face that he was hesitant, but we all believe in him. And next week we’ll be all set.”

Under more pressure than he expected against a Vandals team that came in as nearly 50-point underdogs, Gabriel didn’t throw the ball much downfield or up the middle, getting enough checkdowns and screen passes and shovels in a 41-of-49, 380-yard, two-touchdown performance.

Quite a statistic for someone so visibly frustrated by the ebb and flow — mostly ebb — of the game.

Many of those throws were in space to Johnson, whose speed and elusiveness make him perhaps the most important playmaker in this Oregon offense. So, even with much for the Ducks to clean up elsewhere, Johnson remains a steady presence.

“We did a good job of creating completions and taking the easy money,” Gabriel said. “I think that was definitely the highlight of the day.”

Johnson was effusive in his discussion of his individual accomplishments. He and all the other players and coaches who spoke to reporters Saturday night were still reeling from the collective tension that was there, repeating lines about watching film and getting better.

“I just know there’s more to come,” Johnson said. “I’m not really worried about it. It’s a team sport. I’m happy to score touchdowns for my teammates. It feels really good.

“We had a really good rhythm, we just have to finish in the red zone,” Johnson continued. “We got there and mostly didn’t finish. That’s something we’ll take, go to the doctor and fix.”

–Ryan Clarke covers the Oregon ducks and Big Ten Conference. Listen to the Ducks confidential podcast or subscribe to the Ducks Roundup Newsletter.