Oregon Ducks Dominate James Madison to Launch CFP Run in Style
If you ignored the final score and just watched the flow of the game, it was obvious from the opening minutes that this College Football Playoff matchup was one-sided. Oregon’s 51–34 win over James Madison on Saturday night wasn’t just a victory on paper — it was a clear statement. From the first snap, the Ducks looked faster, sharper, and far more prepared for the moment, and for most of the night, they did whatever they wanted on the field.
The scoreboard might show that James Madison put up 34 points and over 500 yards of offense, but context matters. Much of that production came late, when Oregon had already built a massive lead and starters were pulled in favor of backups and even fourth-string players. When the Ducks’ first unit was on the field, the game was effectively over. The talent gap was obvious, and it was exposed early and often.
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What stood out right away was how little rust Oregon showed after nearly three weeks off. There had been concern about whether the Ducks might start slow, especially after past playoff breaks had hurt them. Instead, the offense came out like a freight train. Touchdowns were scored almost effortlessly, sometimes every four plays, and efficiency numbers reached absurd levels. At one point, Oregon had more than 15 yards per play and was averaging nearly 20 yards per completion. Historically speaking, this was one of the most explosive playoff starts the CFP has ever seen.
Quarterback Dante Moore was at the center of it all. He was calm, confident, and surgical early, going nearly flawless through the first half while spreading the ball all over the field. His final line — over 300 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and a rushing score — only reinforced the growing buzz around his NFL future. A couple of interceptions showed up late, but by then, the tone of the night had already been set.
The Ducks’ wide receiver group also delivered encouraging news. Even though injured stars Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. didn’t put up big numbers, their return alone was significant. Meanwhile, Malik Benson and Jeremiah McClellan made it clear they’re not giving up their roles anytime soon. Benson’s speed broke the game open repeatedly, while McClellan continued to shine as a reliable, physical target.
Perhaps the most telling takeaway came after the game. Despite the blowout win, head coach Dan Lanning wasn’t satisfied. The late defensive lapses clearly bothered him, and that edge could be dangerous moving forward. Oregon advanced, confidence intact, flaws exposed, and a demanding coach still pushing. As the Ducks head toward a quarterfinal showdown with Texas Tech, it feels like something serious might be building in Eugene.
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