In a dramatic college football contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the No. 7 Oregon Ducks narrowly defeated the Boise State Broncos 37-34 on September 7, 2024, thanks to a last-second field goal.
The game-winning kick, a 25-yarder from kicker Atticus Sappington as time expired, capped off a wild, back-and-forth affair that saw momentum swings and clutch plays from both sides. This nail-biting finish, which quickly became a trending topic in the sports world, marked Oregon’s first-ever victory over Boise State in program history.
A Game Defined by Momentum Shifts
The highly anticipated matchup at Autzen Stadium was a testament to Boise State’s resilience as they entered as significant underdogs but fought tooth and nail for the upset. The Broncos held a 20-14 lead at halftime, demonstrating their ability to move the ball effectively against the Ducks’ defense. Throughout the second half, neither team could establish consistent dominance, trading blows and leads.
Oregon’s special teams played a pivotal role in keeping them in the game, notably with two crucial return touchdowns. Tez Johnson provided a spark with an 85-yard punt return, and Noah Whittington, after what appeared to be a dropped ball near the goal line, was credited with a touchdown on a 99-yard kickoff return (recovered by Jayden Limar), tying the game late in the fourth quarter. However, the Ducks also faced adversity, including offensive line struggles that put pressure on quarterback Dillon Gabriel and costly fumbles that allowed Boise State to surge ahead 34-27 early in the final quarter.
Despite trailing, Oregon managed to score the game’s final 10 points, demonstrating the resilience coach Dan Lanning has emphasized. The win extended Oregon’s impressive nonconference home winning streak to 34 games, showcasing the program’s strength at Autzen Stadium.
Standout Performances on Both Sides
Boise State’s star running back Ashton Jeanty was a force to be reckoned with, carrying the Broncos’ offense with a phenomenal 192 rushing yards and three touchdowns. His powerful runs, including a 70-yard scamper that tied the game, nearly led his team to an improbable victory. Quarterback Maddux Madsen also contributed with key passes, including a touchdown to Cameron Camper.
For Oregon, quarterback Dillon Gabriel, despite facing consistent pressure, delivered a solid performance, throwing for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Evan Stewart was a key target, recording his first 100-yard game for the Ducks and making explosive plays, including a 67-yard reception that set up a crucial score. However, it was kicker Atticus Sappington who ultimately etched his name in the game’s history books. After missing an extra point earlier in the contest, he calmly stepped up to deliver the game-winning field goal as time expired, securing the win for Oregon and providing immense relief for his team.
Context and Implications
The victory for Oregon, while securing a win, highlighted ongoing questions about the team’s identity as they navigated another close contest. The news surrounding the game reinforced Oregon’s status as a top contender, but also pointed to areas needing improvement. For Boise State, the game served as a strong statement of their potential and their ability to compete with nationally ranked programs, making them a team to watch.
This thrilling college sports encounter generated significant buzz, demonstrating the unpredictable and exciting nature of football news and providing a memorable chapter in the ongoing season for both the Oregon Ducks and the Boise State Broncos.
