The Oregon Ducks, fresh off a tenuous victory against the Idaho Vandals, managed to secure a dramatic 37-34 win over the Boise State Broncos on Saturday. The game, held at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, evolved into a nail-biting contest filled with back-and-forth action that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Despite their victory, the Ducks’ offense displayed significant inconsistency throughout the game. The Oregon offensive line, which had previously been a fortress, allowing only 10 sacks during the 2023-24 season, has struggled in the early weeks of this season.
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Photo Cred: USA Today
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who is stepping into the role this year, has already been sacked seven times over the past two games—three times in the previous week and four times on Saturday. The Ducks’ offensive woes were further highlighted in the second half when the crowd at Autzen Stadium voiced their frustration with boos after the team opted for three consecutive running plays, including on a critical 3rd-and-13, which led to their sixth punt of the game. What ultimately saved the Ducks was their knack for making game-changing plays when it mattered most.
Gabriel threw two impressive long touchdown passes, covering 34 and 59 yards, and connected with Evan Stewart for a 67-yard pass early in the game. Gabriel’s quick follow-up run resulted in a touchdown. In the second half, Tez Johnson and Noah Whittington delivered pivotal performances for Oregon. Johnson returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown, while Whittington executed a remarkable 100-yard kickoff return for another score. Each time Boise State seemed poised to gain control, these explosive plays swung the momentum back in favor of the Ducks.
Boise State, for their part, exhibited remarkable resilience and energy throughout the contest. The Broncos never allowed Oregon to pull away by more than a single score and managed to control the game at various points, only for the Ducks to reclaim the lead with timely big plays. Star halfback Ashton Jeanty was particularly dominant, rushing for 192 yards and three touchdowns, including a breathtaking 70-yard run. The Broncos’ defense took a significant hit when safety Alexander Teubner was ejected for targeting early in the third quarter following a contentious hit on Dillon Gabriel.
Photo Cred: East Idaho News
This loss added to Boise State’s challenges as they tried to fend off the Ducks’ offensive surge. With the score tied at 34-34 and the clock ticking down, the Ducks looked to senior kicker Atticus Sappington, a Portland native, to secure the win. Despite the seemingly straightforward 25-yard kick, Sappington had previously missed an extra point, adding a layer of tension to the situation. Fortunately for Oregon and their supporters, Sappington’s kick was true, giving the Ducks the victory.
As the Ducks navigate their way through a season of high expectations, these two narrow wins against unranked opponents may be raising concerns for head coach Dan Lanning. With their transition to Big Ten play looming, the next few weeks will be critical in defining the true character of the Oregon team. Looking ahead, the Ducks will face the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium in Corvallis next week. Meanwhile, Boise State will return home to host the Portland State Vikings on September 21st. The outcomes of these games will be pivotal as both teams seek to establish their rhythms and gain momentum for the remainder of the season.
