No. 2 Oregon had to work for it.
The Ducks opened the 2026 season with a thrilling 34-27 victory over Boise State at Autzen Stadium, overcoming a 17-7 halftime deficit before taking control in the second half.
Boise State Comes Out Swinging
The Broncos showed immediately that they weren’t intimidated by the No. 2 team in the country.
Boise State jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter before adding two more scores in the second. Maddux Madsen connected with Christian Bates and Sire Gaines for touchdowns, while Jonah Dalmas’ 29-yard field goal helped the Broncos build a 17-7 advantage.
Oregon managed to answer before halftime when Dante Moore found Jordon Johnson for a 27-yard touchdown, but the Ducks still went into the locker room trailing.
Dante Moore Leads the Comeback
Whatever Dan Lanning told his team at halftime worked.
Oregon came out of the locker room and completely changed the momentum.
Moore led the Ducks on a series of scoring drives, including a touchdown pass to Jeremiah McClellan and a huge 62-yard touchdown connection with Dakorien Moore. Oregon also got a pair of field goals from Gage Hurych as the Ducks finally started pulling away.
Moore finished with an impressive 388 passing yards, while Jordon Davison led Oregon on the ground with 90 rushing yards.
Boise State Wouldn’t Go Away
Even after Oregon took control, Boise State continued to fight.
The Broncos tied the game at 24-24 in the third quarter when Madsen found Max Wagner for a touchdown. Oregon answered with another field goal before eventually creating separation in the fourth quarter.
The Ducks’ defense ultimately made enough plays to prevent Boise State from completing the comeback.
A Huge Win for Oregon
It wasn’t the comfortable opening many expected from the No. 2 team in the country, but that’s exactly what makes this victory so important.
Oregon was tested early, faced adversity and still found a way to win.
The Ducks entered the season with national championship expectations after reaching the College Football Playoff semifinal last season.
Now they’re 1-0, but they’ll have plenty to clean up before their next challenge.
Oregon may not have dominated Boise State, but the Ducks showed something just as important: when things got tough, they found a way to win.
