EUGENE, Ore. — Dante Moore had an impressive game, throwing four touchdown passes and rushing for another score. The Oregon Ducks, ranked 5th, beat the 19th-ranked James Madison Dukes 51-34 in their College Football Playoff opener Saturday night.
This win marks Oregon’s first playoff victory since they triumphed over Florida State in 2014. They will now face Texas Tech in a quarterfinal match at the Orange Bowl on January 1st.
James Madison, despite their strong season with a 12-2 record, continues to struggle in playoff games, falling to 0-4 for Group of Five teams. Their defeat came after the 17th-ranked Tulane lost to 6th-ranked Mississippi earlier that day.
Oregon took control early when Moore connected with Jamari Johnson for a stunning 41-yard touchdown less than two minutes into the game. Johnson snatched the pass with one hand and carried two defenders into the end zone.
James Madison managed to respond with a 30-yard field goal from Morgan Suarez after a lengthy 15-play drive that took over eight minutes. Despite their efforts, the Ducks quickly surged ahead, scoring four consecutive touchdowns. James Madison added another field goal before halftime, ending the first half at 34-6.
The Dukes, known for their tough rushing attack, couldn’t find their rhythm after falling behind. Sun Belt Player of the Year Alonza Barnett III completed 23 of 48 passes and threw a 47-yard touchdown to Nick DeGennaro early in the third quarter. However, Oregon countered with two touchdowns, including a blocked punt returned for a score by Jayden Limar.
Although James Madison managed to score three more touchdowns, the early deficit proved too much to overcome. Oregon’s victory extended their winning streak to seven games after losing to top-ranked Indiana in October, while James Madison had previously secured 11 straight wins.
This win brings excitement for Oregon fans and boosts their confidence as they head into the next playoff round. The Ducks have shown remarkable resilience throughout the season, a testament to their determination and skills on the field.
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