Oregon Flips the Script, Dominates James Madison in CFP Opener
One year after being on the wrong end of a College Football Playoff blowout, Oregon came out with something to prove-and they delivered in emphatic fashion. The Ducks didn’t just win their first-round CFP matchup against James Madison on Saturday; they overwhelmed the Sun Belt champions from the opening whistle and never looked back.
This was the 5-12 matchup in the new expanded playoff format, but Oregon made it look like a mismatch from the start. Playing in front of a raucous Autzen Stadium crowd, the Ducks set the tone early with explosive plays and surgical efficiency.
Their first three drives each featured a 40-yard gain, and they capped off their first five possessions with touchdowns. By halftime, Oregon had built a commanding 34-6 lead-and the game was effectively over.
Let’s put that first half in perspective: Oregon averaged 15.9 yards per play in the first quarter, followed by 13.6 in the second. That’s video game territory.
At one point, they had scored more points (34) than they had run plays (25). They faced just one third down in the entire first half.
That’s not just dominance-that’s offensive perfection.
Running backs Dierre Hill Jr. and Jordon Davison were at the heart of it. Hill slashed through the JMU defense for 76 yards and a touchdown on just six carries, while Davison added 90 yards on 10 carries.
Every time they touched the ball, it felt like a chunk play was coming. Oregon’s offensive line opened up lanes, and the backs made the most of them, repeatedly breaking through the second level.
James Madison tried to set the tone early with a methodical 15-play, 8-minute drive to open the game, but had to settle for a field goal. That was a missed opportunity, and it only got worse from there.
Their second drive-a 10-play possession-ended with a missed field goal. The next three drives?
All punts. Against an Oregon offense firing on every cylinder, that kind of inefficiency was a death sentence.
To their credit, the Dukes didn’t fold. They came alive in the second half, scoring 28 points and racking up over 300 yards after halftime.
Oregon’s defense, which had been lights-out early, showed some cracks late. Whether it was fatigue, complacency, or simply playing softer with a big lead, the Ducks gave up more than they would’ve liked down the stretch.
That’s something head coach Dan Lanning will undoubtedly address before the quarterfinals.
Still, let’s not lose sight of the big picture: Oregon did what it had to do-and then some. They came out with energy, executed to near perfection in the first half, and left no doubt about who belonged in the next round. If there were any lingering questions about how the Ducks would respond after last year’s early exit, they answered them with authority.
Next up: a quarterfinal showdown with 4-seed Texas Tech at the Orange Bowl on January 1. If Oregon brings the same kind of firepower, they’ll be a tough out for anyone. And with a potential Peach Bowl berth on the line, the Ducks are peaking at just the right time.
Final Score: Oregon 51, James Madison 34