The No. 5 Oregon Ducks secured a decisive 51-34 victory over the No. 12 James Madison Dukes in the first round of the College Football Playoff on December 20, 2025, at Autzen Stadium, propelled by a key 45-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dante Moore to Malik Benson. Oregon’s dominant performance advances them to the Orange Bowl quarterfinal against Texas Tech, showcasing their offensive prowess in the expanded playoff format.
From the opening drive, Oregon’s offense set a relentless pace, with Moore completing 313 passing yards and four touchdowns, while adding a rushing score. The Ducks scored on their first five possessions, building a 34-6 halftime lead that left James Madison struggling to keep up. Moore’s connection with Benson was particularly lethal, featuring touchdowns of 46 and 45 yards that highlighted their synergy and the team’s explosive playmaking ability.
James Madison mounted a spirited comeback attempt in the second half, scoring 28 points to Oregon’s 17 behind quarterback Alonza Barnett III, who threw for multiple touchdowns including a 47-yard strike to Nick DeGennaro. However, Oregon’s defense and special teams delivered crucial stops, such as a blocked punt returned for a touchdown by Jayden Limar, which helped maintain a double-digit advantage throughout the game.
The win underscores Oregon’s status as a serious playoff contender, with the team amassing 514 total yards of offense. Key players like wide receivers Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. returned from injuries, bolstering the roster, though star Evan Stewart remained sidelined. The Ducks’ coordinators, Will Stein and Tosh Lupoi, who have accepted head coaching roles elsewhere, committed to finishing the playoff run, adding a layer of dedication to the team’s narrative.
Oregon now looks ahead to the Orange Bowl on January 1, 2026, where they will face the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders in a highly anticipated quarterfinal matchup. This victory not only secures their progression but also reinforces their championship aspirations, with Moore’s leadership and the team’s balanced attack positioning them for deeper postseason success.
The game, watched by a national audience on TNT/TruTV, highlighted the intensity of the College Football Playoff’s first round, with Oregon’s fast start and James Madison’s late rally providing dramatic moments. As the Ducks prepare for Miami, they aim to build on this momentum, focusing on defensive adjustments and offensive consistency to tackle the challenges ahead.
