### Oregon Ducks Dominate James Madison in College Football Playoff Opener The Oregon Ducks, ranked fifth nationally, showcased their offensive prowess in a decisive 51-34 victory over the 12th-ranked James Madison Dukes in the first round of the College Football Playoff (CFP) held at Autzen Stadium. This win marks Oregon's first playoff victory since 2014, as they advance to face Texas Tech in the quarterfinals on January 1, 2026. The Ducks' quarterback, Dante Moore, was instrumental in the win, throwing four touchdown passes and rushing for another, leading Oregon to a commanding 34-6 halftime lead. Despite a late surge from James Madison, which included three touchdowns in the second half, the game was largely dominated by Oregon's early offensive explosion [https://apnews.com/article/james-madison-oregon-score-playoff-64e2d52aa0381d2fab711bb13efb52a7][https://diz.news/no-5-oregon-defeats-no-19-james-madison-51-34-to-advance-to-playoff-quarterfinals]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview** - Oregon Ducks defeated James Madison Dukes 51-34. - The game took place on December 21, 2025, at Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon. - Oregon advances to the CFP quarterfinals against Texas Tech. 2. **Performance Highlights** - Dante Moore's standout performance: 4 touchdown passes and 1 rushing touchdown. - Oregon's offense scored on their first five possessions, establishing a significant lead early in the game. - James Madison's late-game touchdowns did not reflect the overall dominance of Oregon. 3. **Defensive Concerns** - Despite the win, Oregon's defense allowed 509 yards, raising concerns for future matchups. - Defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi expressed dissatisfaction with the defensive performance, particularly in the second half [https://apnews.com/article/oregon-texas-tech-orange-bowl-cfp-c138e589097e7b1b94ba86fdf1fe798a]. 4. **Historical Context** - This victory is significant for Oregon, marking their first playoff win since 2014. - James Madison's loss continues a trend of Group of Five teams struggling in the CFP, now holding an 0-4 record in playoff games [https://apnews.com/article/james-madison-oregon-group-of-five-cfp-9a95bee63b15ac7c786ba5c78c363f03]. ### Summary of Findings - **Oregon's Dominance**: The Ducks displayed a powerful offensive strategy, scoring 51 points and leading comfortably throughout the game. Their early scoring set the tone, allowing them to control the pace and momentum. - **Dante Moore's Impact**: Moore's performance was pivotal, showcasing his ability to lead the team effectively in high-pressure situations. - **Defensive Issues**: While the offense thrived, the defense's performance raises questions about their readiness for the upcoming challenge against Texas Tech, who may present a tougher test. - **Historical Significance**: This win not only advances Oregon in the playoffs but also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Group of Five teams in the CFP landscape. In conclusion, the Oregon Ducks' victory over James Madison not only propels them into the next round of the College Football Playoff but also serves as a reminder of the challenges and expectations that come with competing at this level [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2025/12/20/oregon-james-madison-cfp-college-football-playoff/87866757007].