Oregon football Ducks’ Dan Lanning: ‘Resilient’ Ducks Survive Boise State, Ashton Jeanty
The Oregon Ducks beat the Boise State Broncos, 37-34, on Saturday night in Autzen Stadium to extend their nation-leading nonconference home winning streak to 34 games. Oregon coach Dan Lanning reacts to quarterback Dillon Gabriel and the victory.
The No. 7 Oregon football Ducks edged past the Boise State Broncos, 37-34, in a thrilling showdown at Autzen Stadium on Saturday night, extending their nation-leading nonconference home winning streak to 34 games. Oregon kicker Atticus Sappington nailed a 25-yard field goal as time expired to secure the win.
The game was packed with dramatic moments and momentum swings, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. “They were resilient,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said postgame. “We kicked ourselves in the — the foot — a bunch today. Ultimately, we have a team that went and got the W. A lot we can learn from this game, but we have a resilient team.”
This victory marked Oregon football Ducks first win against Boise State, improving their record to 1-3 against the Broncos. The game showcased two potential Heisman Trophy contenders: Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
Despite the win, Oregon’s performance raised concerns following a shaky Week 1 victory over the Idaho Vandals, 24-14. Against Boise State, the Ducks fumbled twice, missed a PAT, committed nine penalties, allowed four sacks, and struggled to contain Jeanty, who rushed for three touchdowns. Jeanty now boasts 450 yards and nine touchdowns in the first two games of the 2024 season.
Looking for more explosive plays, Oregon’s offense delivered. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel connected with receiver Evan Stewart for a 34-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, and receiver Traeshon Holden electrified with a 59-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter.
Special teams also shined, with Tez Johnson returning a punt 85 yards for a touchdown—the Ducks’ first punt return touchdown since 2018. Running back Noah Whittington added to the excitement with a 100-yard kickoff return.
Gabriel, who finished 18-of-21 for 243 yards with two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown, moved to second all-time in NCAA history with 155 total touchdowns. Running back Jordan James led Oregon’s ground game with 102 yards on 17 carries, though the Ducks were outgained in rushing yards, 221-111.
However, the Ducks‘ offensive line struggles continued, allowing four sacks in the first half after giving up three in Week 1. “We knew we had to get after Dillon Gabriel,” said Boise State coach Spencer Danielson. “Everything runs through him. Our guys are playing hard. We have to finish, though. We have to finish together.”
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty showcased his talents with 192 yards on 25 carries and three touchdowns, solidifying his status as a top NFL draft prospect for 2025. “One of the things that makes him so different is his ability to stiff-arm,” Lanning noted. “You see it on film consistently.”
Next, Oregon football Ducks heads to Corvallis to face in-state rival Oregon State on Saturday, September 14th, at 12:30 p.m. PT. This will be Oregon’s final nonconference game before they start Big Ten play on September 28th against UCLA.
