Oregon Head Coach Dan Lanning Shaking the hand of JMU Head Coach Bob Chensey after the Game

Oregon Wins Thrilling CFP Matchup vs JMU 51-34

Brandon Ellis

The Oregon Ducks used a dominant first half to win the first round matchup against a game JMU Dukes that stuck around and fought in this game, although the speed of the Ducks’ offense was too overpowering. The Ducks had 514 total yards of offense, but James Madison was also impressive in this game with 509 total yards, most of them in the second half, where the Dukes outscored the Ducks 28-17 in the second half. Oregon moves on to face Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl, but they do have some things to clean up. Let’s dive into this game a bit more. 

Oregon’s Speed Controlled The First Half

Oregon QB Dante Moore throws a pass vs JMU
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) throws a pass during the third quarter against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The Speed of the Ducks was the difference in the game, as Oregon scored on its first five drives. The Dukes couldn’t handle the speed of the skill players for most of the night, and the No.1 overall QB prospect according to Mel Kiper Jr., Dante Moore, had a great game, other than two interceptions. Moore finished with 313 yards and four touchdowns passing and a rushing touchdown. The Ducks’ rushing attack finished with 201 yards, which was the most that the Dukes had given up all year long by far, as the nation’s second-best rush defense heading into the game. 

The Ducks were great for most of the game, but the Dukes were able to cover the spread due to the fight they had as a program and as a team in the 2025 season. So let me talk about James Madison real quick. 

JMU’s Resilience Was Something To See

JMU's George Pettaway Catches a touchdown vs Oregon in CFP first round matchup
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; James Madison Dukes running back George Pettaway (6) makes a catch for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

The Dukes might not have been the most competitive team in the first half, but boy, they showed why they should have been considered for the CFP in the second half. As I said previously before the fact that they outscored Oregon 28-17 in the second half is something to hold your head up high about as a JMU fan, alumni, player, coach, or staff member. 

Also, Alonza Barnett should be proud of his tenacious performance for the Dukes in this game as he threw for 273 yards and two touchdowns, and Wayne Knight had another 100-yard day on the ground.

The JMU program continues to evolve over the years, and this experience is going to give Billy Napier a building block for years to come.  This team definitely “brightened the lights of Madison” throughout the season, and it was an amazing ride throughout. 

Final Thoughts

Oregon is going to have to clean up a lot on the defensive side of the ball if they want to get the win on New Year’s over a stout Texas Tech team that has a great defense that will probably be more formidable than the James Madison defense. The Ducks will have to show up, and I think Dan Lanning will have them more prepared to finish than he did for this game against the Dukes. That Oregon vs Texas Tech matchup is going to be fun. 

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