Oregon Overpowers James Madison in CFP Opener: 10 Key Takeaways as Ducks Eye Texas Tech
No. 5 Oregon took care of business in the first round of the College Football Playoff, dispatching No.
12 James Madison 51-34 at Autzen Stadium. The Ducks move to 12-1 and now turn their attention to a high-stakes Orange Bowl clash with No.
4 Texas Tech.
Here are 10 takeaways from Oregon’s win - a game that was explosive, at times sloppy, but ultimately another showcase of the Ducks’ elite firepower.
1. Oregon’s Speed Was Simply Too Much
This one was a track meet - and Oregon brought the sprinters. The Ducks ripped off six passing plays and three runs of 20+ yards, including three touchdown throws that went for 40+ yards. That kind of explosive output doesn’t just stretch a defense - it breaks it.
Malik Benson, Dierre Hill Jr., and Jordon Davison were electric in space. Once they hit the second level, it was lights out.
And that’s without Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. at full strength. If either of them had been at 100%, this could’ve gotten even more lopsided.
JMU’s Nick DeGennaro deserves a nod here too - the wideout made the most of his chances, showing off some strong YAC ability. But Oregon’s speed was on a different level.
2. Offensive Coordinators Won the Chess Match
This was a game where the guys calling plays on offense had the upper hand - and it wasn’t close.
Oregon OC Will Stein had the tools and knew exactly how to use them. Five straight touchdown drives under 2:40 each?
That’s not just execution - that’s surgical play-calling. JMU DC Colin Hitschler rolled the dice on some one-on-one matchups, but Oregon’s athletes made that a losing bet.
On the flip side, JMU OC Dean Kennedy did a commendable job with limited resources. Going up against a loaded Oregon defense, he found ways to move the ball and put up points. DeGennaro might be the Dukes’ only future NFL skill guy, but Kennedy kept his offense competitive - even if the Ducks’ defense left the field frustrated after giving up 500 yards.
3. Oregon’s Defense Has Work to Do - Starters Included
Let’s not sugarcoat it: this wasn’t just a case of backups giving up garbage-time points. JMU scored 28 in the second half, and many of those came against Oregon’s starters.
Brayden Platt gave up a touchdown in coverage, but he wasn’t alone. On an 89-yard scoring drive, JMU converted a third-and-10 right up the gut with Bear Alexander and A’Mauri Washington on the field.
The final 99-yard touchdown drive? Oregon had nearly all of its starters back in.
Even in the first half, when the Ducks built a 34-6 lead, JMU was moving the ball - nearly 200 yards of offense at 4.2 yards per play. This wasn’t a dominant defensive performance, and the Ducks know it.
4. Short-Yardage Defense Remains a Problem
It’s been an issue all season, and it showed up again. Oregon’s defense continues to struggle in short-yardage third-down situations.
At this point - 13 games in - it’s not something that’s going to magically fix itself. It’s a real Achilles heel heading into the matchup with Texas Tech.
5. Moore and Bryant Make Their Return
The Ducks got good news on the injury front with the return of receivers Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. Neither saw a ton of action - Moore had one catch, Bryant played sparingly - but just getting them back on the field is a win. With this receiving corps battling injuries all season, trending toward full strength is a major storyline heading into the Orange Bowl.
6. Jeremiah McClellan Steps Up Big
With the receiver room still not at full capacity, Jeremiah McClellan delivered when it mattered most. The freshman hauled in six catches for 83 yards - both season-highs - and added a touchdown.
His hands and body control continue to impress, and he’s become a reliable option when the Ducks need a play. That’s a huge development for this offense.
7. Special Teams Was a Mixed Bag
Oregon’s special teams had a little bit of everything. A blocked field goal and a blocked punt?
That’s the kind of aggression you want to see. But giving up a fake punt conversion that led to a touchdown?
That’s the kind of lapse that can be costly against elite opponents. The Ducks will want to clean that up before facing Texas Tech.
8. Will Stein Adds New Wrinkles
Oregon’s offense wasn’t just fast - it was creative. Stein introduced some new looks, including a formation with three backs and no tight end.
The Ducks also went off-balance to the field a few times and used tempo to catch JMU in a four-man front. These aren’t just gimmicks - they’re tools that can keep a defense guessing, especially when paired with Oregon’s speed and execution.
9. Autzen Stadium Brought the Noise
Despite some pregame questions about ticket sales and matchup intrigue, the Autzen crowd showed up - and made their presence felt. JMU committed six false starts, and the Ducks fed off the energy. That kind of home-field advantage matters, especially in the postseason.
10. JMU Talent Doesn’t Translate to Big Ten Level
JMU’s coaching staff, led by Bob Chesney, is headed to UCLA. But if there were thoughts of bringing a wave of JMU players with them via the portal, this game should be a reality check.
The Dukes are a strong program at their level, but only a few of their current players look like they could hold their own in the Big Ten. Oregon’s speed and physicality exposed that gap.
What’s Next: Oregon vs. Texas Tech
The Ducks now set their sights on a New Year’s Day showdown with No. 4 Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl.
Both teams sit at 12-1, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Oregon’s offense looks as dangerous as ever, but defensive lapses - especially on third down - will need to be addressed.
Orange Bowl Preview:
- 🗓 When: Thursday, January 1
- 🕘 Time: 9 a.m. PT
- 📍 Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.
- 📺 TV: ESPN and ABC
- 💻 Streaming: Available on DIRECTV (free trial) and Sling (day pass $4.99); regional availability may vary.
The Ducks are one win away from the national title game - and if they can clean up the defensive miscues, they have the firepower to get there.