The No. 9 Oregon Ducks secured a narrow 18-16 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes on a last-second 39-yard field goal by Atticus Sappington, keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive in a hard-fought road game.
The game unfolded at a rain-soaked Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, where Oregon extended its unbeaten road record in the Big Ten. Despite the hostile environment and dropping temperatures, the Ducks showcased their adaptability, leaning on a powerful rushing attack and clutch special teams play to secure the victory. This win highlighted Oregon’s ability to thrive in challenging conditions, a trait that has become synonymous with their performances since joining the conference.
Oregon faced significant adversity with key absences, as top wide receiver Dakorien Moore and tight end Kenyon Sadiq were ruled out before the game. Early in the contest, another starter, wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr., suffered a right ankle injury on the team’s second series and did not return, further testing the depth of the squad. These setbacks forced the Ducks to rely on less experienced players and adjust their offensive strategy on the fly.
The Ducks’ offense dominated on the ground, amassing 261 rushing yards on 36 carries for an impressive 7.3 yards per carry average. Noah Whittington led the charge with 118 yards, and all four Oregon rushers recorded runs of 19 yards or longer, exploiting an Iowa defense that allowed its highest rushing total since 2022. This ground assault was particularly notable given Iowa’s reputation for stout defensive play under coach Kirk Ferentz.
Special teams played a pivotal role, contributing 12 points including a safety from a bad snap by Iowa. Atticus Sappington connected on field goals from 46 and 40 yards earlier in the game, but the outcome hinged on his final kick under intense pressure. The Ducks’ performance in this phase underscored their preparedness and attention to detail, as emphasized by coach Dan Lanning in post-game comments.
With 1:51 remaining and trailing 16-15 after Iowa’s methodical 93-yard scoring drive, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, who had struggled passing for much of the game, completed 5 of 6 attempts on the final drive. Key receptions by Malik Benson, Jeremiah McClellan, and Cooper Perry—their first catches of the game—propelled the Ducks into field goal range, setting the stage for Sappington’s decisive moment.
Sappington, who had missed three kicks beyond 30 yards this season, calmly drilled the 39-yard field goal with three seconds left, despite an icing timeout by Iowa. Teammates later described the kick as a testament to his practice repetitions and mental fortitude, with Moore encouraging others to watch rather than look away. This clutch performance sealed the win and reinforced the team’s confidence in high-pressure situations.
The victory bolsters Oregon’s case for the College Football Playoff, as they debuted at No. 9 in the initial CFP standings. Coach Lanning praised his team’s resilience and composure, noting that players remained focused even in the final moments. Looking ahead, Oregon faces a demanding schedule to close the regular season, with games against Minnesota, No. 19 USC, and No. 23 Washington, providing further opportunities to solidify their playoff credentials in the competitive Big Ten landscape.
