In a Week 7 Big Ten clash that lived up to its billing, No. 3 Oregon edged out No. 2 Ohio State 32-31 in front of a record crowd of 61,128 at Autzen Stadium on Saturday night. The game marked the first matchup between two top-five ranked teams at Oregon’s iconic venue, and it did not disappoint, featuring dramatic swings and a standout performance from Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
Gabriel, a transfer from Oklahoma, has wasted no time in making an impact in his first season with the Ducks (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten). Oregon head coach Dan Lanning could see the determination in his quarterback’s eyes, knowing Gabriel was ready for the moment. Gabriel delivered, completing 23 of 34 passes for 341 yards, two touchdowns, and adding a key rushing score. His performance helped propel Oregon to one of the biggest wins in the program’s history, as they defeated the highest-ranked opponent they’ve ever faced during the regular season.
The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading blows throughout. Gabriel’s 27-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter gave Oregon a 29-28 lead, sending the Autzen crowd into a frenzy. The Buckeyes (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten), however, were not finished. Ohio State engineered a methodical drive, draining the clock and setting up Jayden Fielding’s 40-yard field goal to reclaim a 31-29 advantage with just under six minutes remaining.
Oregon responded with a drive of its own, reaching the Buckeyes’ 9-yard line thanks to a crucial pass-interference call. Unable to punch it into the end zone, the Ducks settled for a 19-yard field goal by Atticus Sappington, reclaiming a 32-31 lead with 1:47 left on the clock.
Ohio State, led by quarterback Will Howard, made a final push. Howard connected with Emeka Egbuka on a 26-yard pass that brought the Buckeyes closer to field-goal range. However, a costly offensive pass-interference penalty on freshman Jeremiah Smith pushed them back. On a third-and-20 from the Oregon 38-yard line, Howard scrambled for 12 yards, but he was unable to get out of bounds or stop the clock before time expired, sealing the victory for Oregon.
Howard finished the game with 336 passing yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his poise in the pressure-packed environment. Smith, who had emerged as a key target, recorded nine catches for 100 yards and a touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Ducks’ resilience. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day fell to 1-7 against top-five opponents, though the expanded College Football Playoff format this season means the defeat might not derail the Buckeyes’ postseason aspirations.
For Oregon, Jordan James provided a strong complement to Gabriel’s passing attack, rushing for 115 yards and a touchdown. The Ducks’ defense, while giving up yardage to the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense, made crucial plays when it mattered most, including the late stand to keep Ohio State out of field-goal range.
The game was a testament to the heightened stakes of Oregon’s first season in the Big Ten and demonstrated that Gabriel’s transfer from Oklahoma has provided a new dynamic to Lanning’s squad. With their record now at 6-0, the Ducks are firmly in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff, while Ohio State will look to regroup as they continue to navigate their challenging conference schedule.
This showdown will be remembered as a classic in Oregon football history, a night when Dillon Gabriel stepped into the spotlight and guided the Ducks to a statement win. As the season progresses, both teams will have their eyes set on postseason glory, but Saturday night in Eugene belonged to the Ducks.
