Oregon Edges Boise State in Thrilling Season Opener

Oregon Triumphs Over Boise State in Season Opener

Oregon, ranked No. 2, narrowly avoided a major upset in their 2026 college football season opener against Boise State on Saturday. Entering the game as clear favorites, the Ducks were unexpectedly tied 27-27 with the Broncos in the fourth quarter. Ultimately, a decisive 62-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dante Moore to wide receiver Dakorien Moore secured Oregon’s 34-27 victory. This win extended their home winning streak against nonconference teams to 39 games, the longest active streak in the nation.

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Dante Moore, Oregon’s quarterback, diligently searched for open receivers from the pocket throughout the tension-filled match against Boise State, played at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

On the opposing side, Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen completed the game with 181 passing yards and three touchdowns. Following this performance, Madsen looks to build on his previous season where he accumulated 2,334 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. Joining the restructured Pac-12 Conference this year, Boise State had finished the previous season with a 9-5 record in the Mountain West.

Boise State initiated their scoring early, with Madsen connecting with Cam Bates for a 13-yard touchdown pass, concluding an 11-play drive. Oregon responded in the second quarter when Jordon Davison scored on a 1-yard run. Boise State capitalized on their advantage after Evan Stewart muffed a punt leading to Sire Gaines scoring on a 37-yard reception. A 29-yard field goal by Canaan Moore extended their lead shortly before halftime.

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Despite the Broncos’ momentum, Oregon tightened the score to 17-14 just before halftime with a 27-yard pass from Dante Moore to Jamari Johnson. The third quarter witnessed Oregon take the lead with Jeremiah McClellan’s 8-yard touchdown catch, before Boise State equalized with Madsen’s 7-yard pass to Matt Wagner.

Field goals were exchanged by Oregon’s Gage Hurych and Boise State’s Canaan Moore in the fourth quarter. The game finally tipped in Oregon’s favor with Dakorien Moore’s dramatic touchdown catch.

Following this close encounter, Oregon will face Oklahoma State in Stillwater next week, while Boise State will host a match against Memphis in Week 2.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Chantz Martin, a sports writer, provided coverage for Fox News Digital.