Autzen Stadium was alive with energy on the evening of October 12, 2024, as the third-ranked Oregon Ducks faced off against the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. An electric atmosphere greeted fans for the first-ever top-5 matchup at this famed venue. With both teams displaying their talents, the game unfolded as one of the most thrilling college football battles witnessed, with Oregon narrowly escaping with a 32-31 victory.
The game started with immediate intensity, showcasing the skills of Oregon's quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who completed 23 of 34 passes for 341 yards, throwing two touchdown passes and running for another. His connection with receivers was instrumental, leading the Ducks to accumulate 496 yards of offense against Ohio State's 467. Gabriel's performance not only demonstrated his prowess but also highlighted Oregon's offensive depth.
Gabriel’s standout moment came late in the fourth quarter when he orchestrated a precise 11-play, 74-yard drive culminating with Atticus Sappington’s 19-yard field goal. This kick pushed the Ducks to a 32-31 lead with just 1:47 left on the clock. The pressure of the moment showcased Gabriel’s resolve, with his head coach, Dan Lanning, noting, "We talked all week with our players about taking jabs. It’s about being accurate and precise." Gabriel undoubtedly rose to the occasion.
On the opposing side, Ohio State's Will Howard also delivered for his team, completing 28 out of 35 passes for 326 yards and contributing two touchdowns of his own. The Buckeyes took the lead on several occasions and fought back valiantly, but could not secure the final victory as time ran out on their last possession, finishing the game with Howard scrambling but falling short.
A record crowd of 61,128 fans packed Autzen Stadium, bringing the electrifying energy of Duck fans to life. The stadium echoed with cheers and intense emotional outbursts as the teams traded leads—there were seven lead changes throughout the contest, exemplifying the close contest. Even Lanning quipped post-game, “Anybody got a heart monitor?” referring to the emotional rollercoaster both he and the fans experienced throughout the thrilling bout.
The first half saw Ohio State setting the tone early, with Howard scoring on a sneak during the opening drive, followed by the Buckeyes putting up more points thanks to running back TreVeyon Henderson. Oregon, not to be outdone, responded with strong rushing led by Jordan James, who carried the ball 23 times for 115 yards and scampered for one of Oregon’s touchdowns.
Despite some uncharacteristic mistakes—including missing extra points and incurring penalties—Oregon managed to stay competitive. The Ducks' defensive strategies, including utilizing players like Matayo Uiagalele, helped counter the physical Buckeyes offense, allowing the Ducks to remain resilient.
With the victory, Oregon (6-0 overall and 3-0 within the Big Ten) now stands tied for the Big Ten lead alongside Indiana and Penn State, adding fresh momentum to their season. Coach Lanning's aggressive strategies have drawn both praise and scrutiny, but this win at home against such a formidable opponent may mark his signature victory as head coach of Oregon.
The anticipation surrounding this matchup was palpable, with analysts and fans alike eagerly awaiting the showdown between two of college football's heavyweights. This encounter is poised to have lasting effects on both teams' seasons, propelling Oregon closer to playoff contention and raising questions around Ohio State's ability to perform against top-tier opponents, particularly under pressure.
The aftermath of the game allowed Ducks fans to take the field, with the mascot surfing above their heads—a jubilant celebration of victory. This momentous occasion will likely be remembered for years to come, as part of the rich history of Duck football and the unmatched atmosphere found within Autzen Stadium.
Looking forward, the Ducks are scheduled to face Purdue next on Friday, which will be another opportunity to solidify their standing within the conference and continue building on their success. Meanwhile, Ohio State will aim to regroup and rebound as they prepare to host Nebraska later this month, hoping to bounce back after this challenging loss.
Overall, the game between Oregon and Ohio State lived up to its hype, underscoring both teams’ capabilities and setting the stage for the intense competition within the Big Ten. With playoffs approaching, every win becomes ever more significant, and this matchup may be seen as pivotal for both teams going forward.
