Eugene, Ore. — With another victory secured, sixth-ranked Oregon can now shift its focus to Ohio State, one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the Ducks’ inaugural season in the Big Ten.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw two touchdown passes and added a rushing score on the night, leading Oregon to a 31-10 win over Michigan State on Friday night, keeping the Ducks unbeaten for the season.
Now 5-0 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play, Oregon will face third-ranked Ohio State at home next weekend.
“These are the moments you dream about — games like this. Everyone’s excited,” Gabriel said. “You reflect on what needs improving, put this game behind you, and then it’s full steam ahead.”
Gabriel completed 20 of 32 passes for 257 yards. Running back Jordan James had a career-best performance, rushing for 166 yards and a touchdown, while Tez Johnson caught 10 passes for 81 yards and a score.
For Michigan State, it marked their third straight loss, dropping them to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the Big Ten. This loss also marred Jonathan Smith’s return to Oregon, where he coached at Oregon State for six seasons before joining the Spartans last November. Smith was 2-4 against the Ducks during his tenure with the Beavers.
The game started sloppily for both teams. Gabriel threw two interceptions, while Michigan State fumbled the ball in the red zone during the first half.
“Sometimes my eyes get bigger than my stomach in the red zone,” Gabriel admitted.
The Spartans, who had struggled in the red zone in previous games, came into this matchup ranked 123rd nationally in red zone efficiency (66.7%). They also entered with 13 turnovers, the third-most in the nation.
“When you face top-tier teams, small mistakes get magnified, and execution becomes more challenging. We’re not there yet,” Smith acknowledged.
Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles connected with Nick Marsh on a 44-yard pass that brought the Spartans to Oregon’s 2-yard line. However, Chiles fumbled on a quarterback keeper at the goal line, and Oregon’s Jordan Burch recovered.
Oregon also dealt with turnovers. Gabriel’s end zone pass was intercepted by Michigan State’s Malik Spencer during the chaotic first quarter.
Later, Traeshon Holden made a remarkable 37-yard reception while lying on the ground after tripping. Shortly after, Gabriel took a hard hit from former Oregon linebacker Anthony Jones but returned a play later to run in a 9-yard touchdown, giving the Ducks the lead.
“Big hits are part of the game. It’s physical,” Gabriel said. “You’ve got to keep swinging. The clock keeps ticking, and I’ve got a job to do as quarterback.”
Gabriel was picked off again in the second quarter by Michigan State’s Charles Brantley in the red zone.
James, who had 151 rushing yards by halftime, added a 3-yard touchdown, extending Oregon’s lead to 14-0.
Gabriel connected with Evan Stewart for a 9-yard touchdown just before halftime. Andrew Boyle hit a 50-yard field goal in the third quarter, and Johnson caught a 2-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth, pushing Oregon’s lead to 31-0.
Michigan State avoided a shutout avoided a shutout with Kay’Ron Lynch Adams’ 1-yard plunged into the end-zone in the fourth quarter. Then Jonathan Kim booted a 42-yard field goal with 25 ticks in the game.
UP NEXT:
Michigan State: The Spartans have a bye next weekend before hosting Iowa on Oct. 19.
Oregon: The Ducks plays No. 3 Ohio State next Saturday.
