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Eugene, OR – December 21, 2025 – The No. 5 Oregon Ducks punched their ticket to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals with a commanding 51-34 victory over the No. 12 James Madison Dukes in the first round at Autzen Stadium on Saturday night. Quarterback Dante Moore led an explosive offensive attack, throwing for 313 yards and four touchdowns while adding a rushing score, as Oregon overwhelmed the Sun Belt champions early and held on for the win.
The Ducks (12-1) wasted no time asserting dominance, scoring touchdowns on their first five possessions to build a 34-6 halftime lead. Wide receiver Malik Benson hauled in two touchdown catches, including a 45-yard bomb, while running back Dierre Hill Jr. broke free for a 56-yard scoring dash. Tight end Jamari Johnson opened the scoring with a spectacular one-handed grab, and Moore capped the first-half onslaught with precise throws and a 5-yard scramble into the end zone.
Special teams contributed significantly, with a blocked field goal and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown helping Oregon average an astounding 15 yards per play in the opening half. The Ducks racked up nearly 400 yards before halftime alone, showcasing the high-powered offense that ranked among the nation's best during the regular season.
James Madison (12-2) showed resilience in the second half, outscoring Oregon 28-17 as quarterback Alonza Barnett III connected on deep passes, including a 47-yard touchdown to Nick DeGennaro and a 20-yard score to George Pettaway. The Dukes piled up 509 total yards, exploiting some defensive lapses, but it was too little, too late against Oregon's early barrage."We didn't play our best football in the second half," said head coach Dan Lanning postgame. "We turned the ball over, and our defense needs to be better. But in the playoffs, winning is what matters, and we're moving on."Moore echoed the sentiment: "The whole team knows this wasn't our standard, but we're glad we advanced."With the win, Oregon advances to face No. 4 Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl quarterfinal on New Year's Day. The Ducks, in their second consecutive Playoff appearance after an 11-1 regular season in the Big Ten, are one step closer to a national title shot.Despite some coaching staff transitions—offensive coordinator Will Stein heading to Kentucky and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi to Cal—the Ducks remained focused, drawing on a refreshed roster after a brief postseason break.
Oregon's performance reaffirmed their status as a powerhouse, blending explosive offense with opportunistic plays. As they prepare for the Red Raiders, the Ducks carry momentum and a clear message: they're built for a deep playoff run.Key Stats:
Special teams contributed significantly, with a blocked field goal and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown helping Oregon average an astounding 15 yards per play in the opening half. The Ducks racked up nearly 400 yards before halftime alone, showcasing the high-powered offense that ranked among the nation's best during the regular season.
James Madison (12-2) showed resilience in the second half, outscoring Oregon 28-17 as quarterback Alonza Barnett III connected on deep passes, including a 47-yard touchdown to Nick DeGennaro and a 20-yard score to George Pettaway. The Dukes piled up 509 total yards, exploiting some defensive lapses, but it was too little, too late against Oregon's early barrage."We didn't play our best football in the second half," said head coach Dan Lanning postgame. "We turned the ball over, and our defense needs to be better. But in the playoffs, winning is what matters, and we're moving on."Moore echoed the sentiment: "The whole team knows this wasn't our standard, but we're glad we advanced."With the win, Oregon advances to face No. 4 Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl quarterfinal on New Year's Day. The Ducks, in their second consecutive Playoff appearance after an 11-1 regular season in the Big Ten, are one step closer to a national title shot.Despite some coaching staff transitions—offensive coordinator Will Stein heading to Kentucky and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi to Cal—the Ducks remained focused, drawing on a refreshed roster after a brief postseason break.
Oregon's performance reaffirmed their status as a powerhouse, blending explosive offense with opportunistic plays. As they prepare for the Red Raiders, the Ducks carry momentum and a clear message: they're built for a deep playoff run.Key Stats:
- Dante Moore: 313 passing yards, 4 TD; 1 rushing TD
- Oregon total offense: 516 yards
- James Madison: 509 yards, but trailed by 31 in the first half