Oregon Ducks Outlast Ohio State in a 32-31 Thriller:
The Oregon Ducks clinched a thrilling 32-31 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, October 12, 2024, in what head coach Dan Lanning described as a “heavyweight fight.” This closely contested game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene delivered a dramatic finish and cemented Oregon’s status as a top contender this season.
The Ducks’ strategy emphasized patience and precision. Lanning likened the team’s approach to boxing, saying, “It’s not about throwing haymakers; it’s about taking jabs.” This game plan was evident throughout the match as Oregon stayed resilient against the highly-ranked Buckeyes, focusing on fundamental football: outrushing their opponents and capitalizing on key moments. Running back Jordan James, described by Lanning as playing with “an edge,” was instrumental in the team’s success.
The matchup saw multiple lead changes, with Ohio State taking control early but Oregon regaining momentum through critical plays, including surprise onside kicks and solid defense. Despite Ohio State’s quarterback Will Howard driving the Buckeyes to the Oregon 43-yard line in the final seconds, a costly offensive penalty left the Buckeyes without enough time to complete the comeback.
With less than two minutes remaining, Oregon kicker Atticus Sappington secured the winning 19-yard field goal. Lanning celebrated the victory, acknowledging the emotional rollercoaster: “It’s such an impactful game. Moments like these are filled with relief and joy.”
This victory marks a pivotal moment for Oregon and Coach Lanning, whose leadership had been under scrutiny for performances in previous high-stakes games. The win now shifts the focus to Oregon’s broader ambitions as they eye the remainder of the season with renewed confidence.
Below is a summary of key stats from the game,
Category | Ohio State | Oregon |
---|
Total Yards | 467 | 496 |
Rushing Yards | 141 | 155 |
Passing Yards | 326 | 341 |
3rd Down Conversions | 4-12 | 6-14 |
Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
Possession Time | 33:09 | 26:51 |
The Ducks’ aggressive playstyle and clutch execution on both sides of the ball suggest that they are ready to make a serious run in the national rankings. This victory showcases Oregon’s ability to perform under pressure and sends a clear message that they are prepared to contend for higher stakes this season.
Eleven Warriors, Duck Sports Authority, Saturday Tradition