Oregon Ducks Triumph Over James Madison in College Football Playoff Opener
EUGENE, Ore. — The Oregon Ducks surged past the James Madison Dukes with a commanding 51-34 victory in the first round of the College Football Playoff on December 20, 2025, at Autzen Stadium. The win marks Oregon’s first playoff victory since 2014, when they defeated Florida State in the Rose Bowl semifinal.
From the outset, Oregon established dominance as quarterback Dante Moore connected on a 41-yard touchdown pass to Jamari Johnson less than two minutes into the game. Johnson’s spectacular reception, hauling the ball in with one hand while evading defenders, set the tone for a high-scoring contest. The Ducks quickly built a commanding lead, holding a 48-13 advantage midway through the third quarter.
James Madison, the Sun Belt Player of the Year Alonza Barnett III at the helm, struggled to keep pace. Despite entering the game with the nation’s fifth-ranked rushing attack, the Dukes abandoned their ground game early, opting instead for a pass-heavy approach. Barnett completed 23 of 48 passes, including a 47-yard touchdown to Nick DeGennaro in the third quarter, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Oregon’s relentless offense.
Oregon’s balanced attack featured multiple standout plays, including a 56-yard touchdown run by running back Dierre Hill Jr. and a blocked punt recovered for a touchdown by Jayden Limar. Wide receiver Malik Benson also contributed two touchdowns, underscoring the Ducks’ offensive versatility.
Despite the lopsided score, James Madison rallied late, outscoring Oregon 20-3 in the final quarter and a half. The Dukes’ resilience, however, could not erase the deficit. The defeat dropped Group of Five teams to 0-4 in College Football Playoff games this season, following No. 17 Tulane’s loss to No. 6 Mississippi.
With the victory, Oregon improves to 12-1 and advances to face Texas Tech in the quarterfinals at the Orange Bowl on January 1, 2026. The Ducks’ return to playoff success is a significant milestone for the program, which has been striving to regain national prominence.
For more on the College Football Playoff and upcoming matchups, visit the College Football Playoff official site. Detailed statistics and player profiles can be found through the NCAA. Fans looking to explore Oregon’s athletic programs and history may visit the University of Oregon Athletics website. For broader sports news and updates, ESPN College Football provides comprehensive coverage.
As the Ducks prepare for their Orange Bowl showdown, all eyes will be on Dante Moore, whose dynamic playmaking has revitalized Oregon’s offense and energized their fan base. The upcoming game against Texas Tech promises to be a thrilling chapter in this year’s playoff saga.
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