Oregon Ducks Triumph Over James Madison in CFP First Round
In a display of offensive firepower, Oregon secured a decisive 51-34 victory against James Madison in the first round of the College Football Playoff last Saturday. Though the final score suggests a competitive matchup, the game’s narrative tells a different story. The Ducks dominated the first three quarters, building a commanding 48-13 lead midway through the third period before James Madison mounted a late comeback that made the final margin appear closer than the game actually was.
Oregon’s powerful offensive attack wasted no time establishing control, with quarterback Dante Moore connecting with Jamari Johnson on a spectacular 41-yard touchdown pass just two minutes into the contest. Johnson’s highlight-reel catch—hauled in with one hand while dragging multiple defenders into the end zone—set the tone for what would become an Oregon scoring onslaught. This early momentum proved crucial as the Ducks systematically built their advantage throughout the first half, stringing together four consecutive touchdowns that essentially put the game out of reach before intermission.
James Madison, representing the Group of Five conferences, struggled to match Oregon’s offensive efficiency despite some valiant efforts. The Dukes’ opening drive showcased their potential, consuming over eight minutes with a methodical 15-play march that resulted in a field goal. However, as the deficit grew, James Madison was forced to abandon its usually potent rushing attack—ranked fifth nationally entering the contest—in favor of an air-based comeback attempt. Sun Belt Player of the Year Alonza Barnett III completed 23 of 48 passes, including a 47-yard touchdown strike to Nick DeGennaro that briefly energized the Dukes early in the third quarter, but Oregon’s response was swift and emphatic, immediately extending their lead with two more scores, including a blocked punt returned for a touchdown.
The victory marked a significant milestone for Oregon’s program, representing their first playoff win since 2014 when they defeated Florida State in the Rose Bowl semifinal before falling to Ohio State in the championship game. With this win, the Ducks (12-1) advance to face Texas Tech in an Orange Bowl quarterfinal matchup scheduled for January 1st. The triumph also extends Oregon’s impressive winning streak to seven games since their only loss of the season—a 30-20 defeat to top-ranked Indiana back in October.
For James Madison, the defeat brought an end to their remarkable 11-game winning streak and dropped Group of Five teams to a disappointing 0-4 record in College Football Playoff history. The Dukes’ late-game resilience—outscoring Oregon 20-3 in the final quarter and a half and scoring the game’s last three touchdowns—demonstrated their competitive spirit even as the outcome was no longer in doubt. James Madison finishes their season with an impressive 12-2 record, having established themselves as a formidable program despite the playoff loss.
Oregon’s comprehensive performance showcased why they remain one of the nation’s elite programs and a serious contender for the national championship. Their balanced attack, explosive playmaking ability, and defensive opportunism were on full display throughout most of the contest. As they prepare for their quarterfinal matchup with Texas Tech, the Ducks will look to maintain the momentum from this convincing first-round victory while addressing the late-game defensive lapses that allowed James Madison to make the final score more respectable. With championship aspirations still very much alive, Oregon takes another step forward in their quest to claim college football’s ultimate prize.
