EUGENE, Ore. — Dillon Gabriel delivered an impressive performance on Saturday night, throwing two touchdown passes and adding a rushing touchdown to lead third-ranked Oregon to a narrow 32-31 victory over No. 2 Ohio State, marking the Buckeyes’ first loss of the season.
Gabriel, who joined the Ducks (6-0, 3-0) from Oklahoma for their inaugural season in the Big Ten, showcased his skills by completing 23 of 34 throws for a total of 341 yards, along with rushing for 32 yards on four attempts. Jordan James contributed significantly as well, rushing for 115 yards and a touchdown in front of a record crowd of 61,128 fans, who witnessed this historic matchup of top-five teams at Autzen Stadium.
Following the thrilling victory, jubilant Oregon fans surged onto the field, joyfully lifting the Ducks’ mascot upon their shoulders. Gabriel’s 27-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter put Oregon ahead 29-28. However, Ohio State (5-1, 2-1) countered with a methodical drive that culminated in Jayden Fielding’s 40-yard field goal, reclaiming the lead at 31-29 with six minutes left in the game.
An important pass-interference penalty allowed the Ducks to advance to Ohio State’s 9-yard line. Despite three unsuccessful attempts to find the end zone, Oregon opted for a 19-yard field goal by Atticus Sappington, extending their lead to 32-31 with just 1:47 remaining.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard responded with a 26-yard completion to Emeka Egbuka, moving the Buckeyes into closer range for a potential field goal. However, a subsequent offensive pass-interference penalty on freshman Jeremiah Smith pushed Ohio State back. On third-and-20 from Oregon’s 38, Howard attempted to run but was stopped short, gaining only 12 yards as time expired.
Howard had a strong showing for Ohio State, finishing with 336 yards passing and two touchdowns. Smith also had a breakout performance, recording nine receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown, marking a significant test for the Buckeyes this season.
Howard opened the scoring with a 1-yard rushing touchdown on Ohio State’s initial drive, marking his fifth rushing touchdown of the season—the highest by a Buckeye in five years. Oregon capitalized on a forced fumble by Derrick Harmon, recovering it on the Ohio State 28-yard line. Jordan James powered through for a 3-yard rushing touchdown, although the extra-point attempt was unsuccessful.
Ohio State responded with a 1-yard touchdown run by Quinshon Judkins to go up 14-6. Oregon closed the gap with a 10-yard touchdown catch by Evan Stewart following a 69-yard reception, although their 2-point conversion attempt failed. The Ducks took advantage of another turnover when they recovered a fumble by Caleb Downs, leading to a 27-yard field goal that briefly placed them ahead 15-14.
Ohio State retook the lead with a 15-yard touchdown reception by Egbuka, who previously garnered recognition as the Big Ten co-Offensive Player of the Week after an outstanding game against Iowa. Just before halftime, Oregon’s Tez Johnson caught a 48-yard touchdown pass from Gabriel, securing a 22-21 lead.
In the third quarter, Jeremiah Smith caught a 6-yard touchdown from Howard, putting Ohio State back on top 28-22. Oregon missed a pivotal opportunity late in the third quarter when they advanced to Ohio State’s 2-yard line but ultimately did not score, turning the ball over on downs.
Key takeaways from the matchup include Ohio State’s new offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly, who previously coached the Ducks from 2009 to 2012, leading them to the national championship game in 2011. He then had a successful NFL career and coached at UCLA before joining Ohio State. Additionally, left tackle Josh Simmons left the game with a possible lower leg injury.
For Oregon, defensive standout Jordan Burch, recognized as the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Week, was absent due to an injury sustained during practice. Burch has been a vital part of the Ducks’ defense, ranking among the top in the league for sacks this season. The game-breaking crowd of 61,128 set a new attendance record at Autzen Stadium.
Looking ahead, Ohio State will host Nebraska on October 26, while Oregon will face Purdue on Friday night.
