Oregon Ducks Soar Past James Madison
Friday night at Autzen Stadium brought big drama as No. 5 Oregon tamed No. 12 James Madison, 51–34, in a high-octane College Football Playoff first-round clash 🍂.
First Half: Ducks Take Flight
Oregon wasted no time. On just their second snap, QB Dante Moore hit TE Jamari Johnson with a stunning 41‑yard one‑handed touchdown grab—easily one of the play’s most memorable moments. The Ducks struck again late in the first quarter when Moore capped another drive with a 5‑yard rushing TD, making it 13–3 by the end of Q1.
The onslaught continued early in the second quarter, as freshman RB Dierre Hill Jr. sprinted for a 56‑yard touchdown. Moore followed that with two precise passes: a 20-yard strike to Jeremiah McClellan and a 46-yarder to Malik Benson—stretching the lead to 34–3 at halftime.
Second Half: Ducks Maintain Domination
The third quarter opened with James Madison responding through Nick DeGennaro on a 47-yard TD completion from Alonza Barnett III, but Oregon swiftly countered. Moore found Malik Benson again, this time for a 45-yard score, pushing the score to 41–13. Special teams then came to the forefront: Jayden Limar returned a blocked punt 15 yards for a touchdown, expanding the lead to 48–13.
Despite the run defense, JMU kept fighting. They added 14 points in the third and closed the gap to 48–26 by the start of the fourth. Still, Oregon’s offense didn’t let up. Kicker Atticus Sappington nailed a 48-yard field goal midway through Q4, securing a 51–26 advantage.
Fourth Quarter: Fighting Finality
A late 99-yard drive from JMU, capped by Barnett’s 1-yard run and a two-point conversion, wrapped the scoring at 51–34. Though JMU racked up 509 total yards, Oregon stayed in front throughout—finishing with 514 yards.
Standout Performers
- Dante Moore (Oregon QB): 19/27 for 313 yards, four passing TDs, one rushing TD, and two INTs.
- Malik Benson: 5 receptions, 119 yards, two long touchdown grabs (46 & 45 yards).
- Jamari Johnson: One-handed catch and early 41-yard score to ignite the game.
- Dierre Hill Jr.: Broke free for a jaw-dropping 56-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
- Alonza Barnett III (JMU QB): Solid performance with 273 passing yards and two TDs, including a late rushing score.
Why It Mattered
Oregon secured its first CFP win since 2014 and moves on to the Orange Bowl to face No. 4 Texas Tech on January 1. The Ducks showcased their well-rounded attack—air, ground, and on special teams—with a dominant showing that kept them in front despite JMU’s tenacity.
Final Take
Oregon’s balanced offense, playmaking defense, and special teams heroics made the difference. From Moore’s arm to Hill’s speed and a key blocked punt, the Ducks built a strong early lead and never looked back. With a CFP quarterfinal on the horizon, Oregon fans have much to be hopeful for.

