EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — In an exciting season opener on Saturday, Dante Moore showcased his skills by throwing for 388 yards and three touchdowns, leading No. 2 Oregon to a 34-27 victory over Boise State. Despite a sluggish start, the Ducks managed to rally and secure their 16th consecutive win in season openers at Autzen Stadium.
The game began with Boise State striking first, as quarterback Maddux Madsen connected with Cam Bates for a 13-yard touchdown, capping an impressive 11-play, 75-yard drive. Oregon responded with a 1-yard touchdown run from Jordon Davison early in the second quarter, leveling the score at 7-7.
However, the Broncos quickly regained the lead after a pivotal play where Evan Stewart muffed a punt, allowing Boise State to recover. Sire Gaines then caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from Madsen, and Canaan Moore extended the lead with a 29-yard field goal just before halftime, making the score 17-14 at the break.
The first half echoed the previous meeting between these two teams in 2024, where Oregon also faced a halftime deficit but managed to pull off a dramatic 37-34 win with a last-second field goal. This time, however, the Ducks were determined to turn the tide in the second half.
After a 26-yard field goal from Gage Hurych, Oregon took the lead for the first time with an 8-yard touchdown reception by Jeremiah McClellan. The back-and-forth nature of the game continued as Madsen threw another touchdown, this time a 7-yard pass to Matt Wagner, tying the game again before the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, both teams exchanged field goals, with Hurych and Canaan Moore each converting attempts. With just under eight minutes remaining, Dakorien Moore made a crucial 62-yard touchdown reception, putting the Ducks ahead 34-27, a lead they would hold onto for the remainder of the game.
This victory marks a strong start for Oregon, who finished last season with a 13-2 record and a notable performance from Dante Moore, who opted to stay with the Ducks after throwing for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns in the previous season. Meanwhile, Boise State, now part of the restructured Pac-12, looks to build on their 9-5 record from last year, which included a loss to Washington in the LA Bowl.
Looking ahead, Boise State will host Memphis next Saturday, while Oregon prepares for a challenging matchup against Oklahoma State. As the season unfolds, both teams will aim to establish themselves in their respective conferences, with Oregon looking to maintain their status as a top contender in college football.
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