Oregon vs Wisconsin Score: No. 1 Ducks Secure Narrow Win, Edge Closer to Big Ten Championship
The No. 1 Oregon Ducks narrowly escaped a potential upset on Saturday, defeating Wisconsin 16-13. This hard-fought victory not only keeps their undefeated season alive but also positions them well for a spot in the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff.
Ducks Face Tough Challenge on the Road
Oregon encountered a fierce challenge in Wisconsin. With less than two minutes left in the game, the Badgers had a chance to tie or win after the Ducks failed to convert on a pivotal fourth-and-4 in Wisconsin territory. However, Oregon’s defense shone when defensive lineman Matayo Uiagalelei intercepted a tipped pass from quarterback Braedyn Locke, securing the win for the Ducks.
Standout Defensive Performance
Uiagalelei’s performance was a highlight for Oregon, as he recorded five tackles, including one for loss and a crucial sack. The Ducks’ defense was dominant throughout the game, limiting Wisconsin to just 226 total yards and a mere 96 yards passing. Despite some big plays from Locke, he completed only 12 of 28 passes, hampering the Badgers’ ability to maintain offensive momentum.
Strong Offensive Showing from Oregon
On the offensive side, Jordan James made a significant impact for the Ducks, scoring their sole touchdown and rushing for 121 yards on 25 carries, averaging nearly five yards per attempt. Oregon’s balanced attack proved crucial in this hard-fought victory.
Upcoming Challenges and Historical Context
Oregon now has a bye week before facing rival Washington on November 30, with the chance to finish the season undefeated at 12-0. Under head coach Dan Lanning, the Ducks have won 10 consecutive games against unranked opponents when trailing at any point. Notably, quarterback Dillon Gabriel did not throw a touchdown in this game, marking the first time since 2022 that he was not responsible for a score. This 10-0 start is Oregon’s best since 2010, when they finished the regular season undefeated before losing in the BCS National Championship.
For Wisconsin, this loss extends their streak against top-five opponents to nine and marks their third consecutive defeat after an encouraging 5-2 start. The Badgers remain winless when allowing more than 14 points this season, highlighting a significant area for improvement moving forward.