MADISON, Wis. — In a thrilling showdown, Atticus Sappington secured a dramatic victory for No. 1 Oregon with a 24-yard field goal with just 2:36 left on the clock, leading the Ducks to a 16-13 comeback win against Wisconsin on Saturday night.
Jordan James significantly contributed to Oregon’s (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) success, amassing 115 rushing yards and scoring a crucial touchdown on 22 carries. This victory marks the second instance in school history where the Ducks have won their first 11 games, matching a similar start in 2010, a season that propelled them to the BCS championship game, which they ultimately lost to Auburn.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin (5-5, 3-4) faced its third consecutive defeat, with Tawee Walker rushing for 97 yards on 20 carries. The Badgers have now struggled against ranked teams, recording a dismal 2-15 over their last 17 matchups and a 0-6 record during Luke Fickell’s two-year coaching period.
Oregon’s dominance in the fourth quarter, outscoring Wisconsin 10-0, played a critical role in securing the victory. Following Sappington’s go-ahead field goal, Wisconsin had two more possessions but was unable to capitalize on either opportunity.
The Badgers faced a major setback when they turned the ball over on downs at their own 26-yard line with just over two minutes remaining. Wisconsin managed to get one last chance after the Ducks failed to convert a fake field-goal attempt, but Jamaree Caldwell’s pass was tipped, leading to Matayo Uiagalelei intercepting Braedyn Locke’s pass at the Wisconsin 24 with only 1:32 left, sealing the game for Oregon.
Locke struggled throughout the game, completing only 12 of 28 passes for 96 yards, along with a touchdown and an interception.
Entering the fourth quarter, Oregon found itself trailing 13-6 and faced a fourth-and-9 situation at Wisconsin’s 41-yard line. In a critical moment, Dillon Gabriel rolled out left and connected with a covered Terrance Ferguson for a 15-yard gain, keeping the drive alive. Shortly after, James powered through for an 11-yard touchdown run, leveling the score just over 13 minutes into the final quarter.
With Oregon gaining possession at Wisconsin’s 43 after a 12-yard punt return from Gary Bryant Jr. with 6:49 left, the Ducks strategically advanced the ball to set up Sappington’s decisive field goal. Earlier, Sappington had already successful field goals of 35 and 42 yards.
Oregon’s early offensive struggles allowed the Badgers to pull ahead; despite dominating Wisconsin 152 rushing yards to minus-3 through the initial three series, the Ducks only managed to score two field goals.
Oregon missed a golden opportunity during the first quarter when Nyzier Fourqurean intercepted Gabriel’s pass on a first-and-goal situation from the 9-yard line. Gabriel concluded the night with an impressive 22 completions on 31 attempts for 218 yards.
Wisconsin managed to narrow Oregon’s lead to 6-3 in the second quarter with Nathanial Vakos’ 31-yard field goal. Shortly after, the Badgers took a 10-6 lead thanks to Locke’s 2-yard touchdown pass to Will Pauling, which was set up by a pass interference call on Oregon’s Nikko Reed.
The Badgers extended their advantage to 13-6 after Vakos added another field goal, but this would mark the end of their scoring opportunities as they could not secure another first down for the rest of the game, allowing Oregon to mount a comeback.
The implications of this game are significant; Oregon is poised to maintain its No. 1 ranking in both the AP Top 25 and the College Football Playoff standings.
Looking ahead, Oregon will have a week off before concluding its regular season by hosting Washington on November 30. Meanwhile, Wisconsin will travel to Nebraska for their next matchup on November 23.