As two untested teams square off in the College Football Playoff, excitement builds for the final matchup. Here’s what you should know about the game ahead.
Oregon (11-1)
Ranked No. 5 in the final playoff poll, Oregon had a strong regular season. Their only defeat came from No. 1 ranked Indiana. They faced some nail-biting moments, like the double-overtime win against Penn State and a narrow escape against Iowa, yet they mostly won by a significant margin.
The Ducks are propelled by quarterback Dante Moore, who delivered an impressive 24 touchdowns against just six interceptions. Their offense is bolstered by a talented receiving corps, though they’ve faced injuries. Big names like Dakorien Moore and Evan Stewart have been sidelined, but both were seen practicing recently, raising hopes for their return.
One standout is tight end Kenton Sadiq, who poses a significant challenge in the red zone with eight touchdowns. Oregon also boasts a strong ground game, averaging over 218 rushing yards per game, ranking 14th nationally. This balance makes their offense versatile and tough to defend.
James Madison (11-1)
James Madison earned the final playoff spot after a successful season in the Sun Belt conference. Averaging nearly 450 yards per game, they excel in the running game with 245 yards, placing them fifth in the country. Running back Wayne Knight is particularly noteworthy, ranking 10th nationally in rushing yards with 1,263 yards and boasting an impressive 6.65 yards per carry. He also contributes to the passing game with 379 receiving yards.
The Dukes, however, have not faced a defense like Oregon’s, which holds teams to fewer than 15 points per game. Their only encounter with a Power Four team was a loss to Louisville. Most of their games were comfortable wins, with only a couple being tightly contested.
Quarterback Alonza Barnett III is a dual threat, with 21 passing touchdowns and 14 rushing touchdowns. For James Madison to compete, he’ll need an outstanding performance. Winning in Eugene would indeed be a monumental upset in College Football Playoff history.
As fans prepare for this showdown, statistics reveal that the last time two teams met in the playoffs without common opponents was in 2014, adding a layer of intrigue to this year’s matchup. With injuries and strategies in play, this game promises to be a captivating watch.
For more insights about the game and strategies, you can check resources from [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/) or [NCAA](https://www.ncaa.com/).
