Ducks Survive One More Scare, Defeating Boise State 37-34

© Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

The No. 7 Oregon Ducks (2-0) found themselves in another tight game late in the fourth quarter. This time, it was against the Boise State Broncos (1-1), who went into the matchup with a 3-0 all-time record against the Ducks. Nonetheless, Oregon secured the victory 37-34 on a game-winning chip shot field goal by Atticus Sappington. The victory improved Oregon's home non-conference winning streak to 34 games.

Game Summary

The game was high-octane—full of big plays, including an 85-yard touchdown on a punt return from Ducks star Tez Johnson, a clutch kick return to tie it late by Oregon wide receiver Noah Whittington, and a 70-yard house call by Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty. The Ducks' chemistry issues from Week 1 lingered, as Boise State went into halftime ahead 20-14.

The Ducks came out and got a defensive stop to start the second half. Then, quarterback Dillon Gabriel connected with WR Traeshon Holden for a 59-yard touchdown pass against a cover zero look to tie it at 20. Johnsons' punt return gave the Ducks a 27-20 lead, and they once again forced a stop on defense.

Gabriel was once again efficient in throwing the ball, completing 18 out of 21 attempts with no interceptions. However, he was occasionally slow in releasing the ball and calling out pass protection schemes, which is unsurprising as he adjusts to his new team.

Boise continued to fight, forcing a fumble by Ducks tight end Patrick Herbert and responding with a touchdown drive. On the Ducks' next possession, Gabriel seemed surprised by a bad snap, which led to a fumble. Boise took over inside Oregon's 25-yard line and quickly scored another TD, taking a 34-27 lead late in the game. But Whittington responded, returning the ensuing kickoff 100 yards to the house. Although Whittington dropped the ball before entering the end zone, an alert Ducks teammate grabbed the ball in the end zone, tying the score. After alternating defensive stops, Gabriel led the Ducks on the game-winning drive, setting up a short field goal as time expired.

Turning Point for The Ducks

The momentum switched multiple times in this dramatic seesaw game. The pivotal momentum shift in Oregon's favor was Whittington's exhilarating kick return.

Afterward, Gabriel completed passes in the clutch, leading his team downfield on the game-winning drive. He finished, the night with 18 out of 21 pass completions for 243 yards and 2 TDs.

What Does This Mean?

Like the Idaho Vandals (1-1) in Week 1, Boise State fought hard and had a chance to prevail over the Ducks, but came up short.

Jeanty performed at an elite level, with 192 rushing yards and 3 TDs on 25 carries against an Oregon defensive front that has underperformed thus far in 2024. Jeanty is one of the best running backs in college football right now. Boise's goal is to represent the Group of 5 in the College Football Playoff. A win against the Ducks would have significantly advanced that goal. The Broncos will likely have to run the table from here on out to attain that goal. QB Maddux Madesn completed only 17 of 40 passes and needs to elevate the level of his play for Boise State to achieve success.

© Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

Although the Ducks won this game, they delivered another disappointing performance against an unranked team. The level at which the Ducks played in Weeks 1 and 2 will not yield consistent victories against Power Four teams.