Eugene, OR—–The No. 3 Oregon Ducks secured an exhilarating win over No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes, finishing the game 32-31. This victory marked their highest-ranked win ever at Autzen Stadium and the team’s first 6-0 start to a season since 2013.
Ohio State took an early lead just five minutes into the first quarter when quarterback Will Howard scored a 1-yard touchdown, followed by a successful extra point, making it 7-0. Oregon quickly responded with running back Jordan James breaking loose for a 25-yard run, which set up his own rushing touchdown. A failed two-point conversion left the score at 7-6 OSU.
The Buckeyes’ offense struck again toward the end of the first quarter when running back TreVeyon Henderson sprinted for 53-yards, setting them up for another touchdown early in the second quarter.
The Ducks answered back as wide receiver Evan Stewart gained 69- yards on a big play, positioning Oregon at Ohio State’s 8-yard line. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel then connected for a 10-yard touchdown, putting Oregon ahead. Gabriel followed up with a 32-yard deep pass to wide receiver Traeshon Holden, but Holden was ejected from the game for unsportsmanlike conduct after spitting in the face of Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun, costing the Ducks 15 yards.
“Every time I went and looked at his eyes tonight I saw a guy who was composed and ready for his next moment,” Lanning said. “He played really really well tonight in some really big moments.”
In the midst of the tense action, Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons was injured and had to be carted off the field. Oregon managed to capitalize with a 27-yard field goal by Ross James, bringing the score to 15-21. However, Ohio State quickly responded with a 15-yard touchdown by wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, pulling ahead 21-15.
Just before halftime, Oregon’s wide receiver Tez Johnson scored a 48-yard touchdown, giving the Ducks a 22-21 lead going into the break.
The game remained tight throughout the second half. Early in the fourth quarter, Gabriel rushed for a 27-yard to pay dirt to tie the game again. Oregon kicker Andrew Boyle followed with a successful field goal, pushing the Ducks ahead 29-28. The Buckeyes briefly reclaimed the lead with a field goal of their own, bringing the score to 31-29.
With just under two minutes left in the contest, Oregon kicker Atticus Sappington sealed the win with a 19- yard field goal to seal it..
Reflecting on the game, Coach Dan Lanning emphasized the team’s focus on eliminating explosive plays, while Gabriel remarked, “In games like these, you just find your way to win.”
Up Next for Oregon:
The Ducks will face the Purdue Boilermakers in an away game next Friday.