Oregon Ducks Edge Wisconsin Badgers with Late Game Heroics
In a nail-biting finish, the Oregon Ducks secured a 16-13 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers, showcasing their resilience and solidifying their place as the top team in college football. With just 2:36 left on the clock, Atticus Sappington’s 24-yard field goal broke a tie, helping Oregon (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) outscore Wisconsin (5-5, 3-4) 10-0 in the fourth quarter.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning emphasized the team’s mindset entering the game, akin to a Pavlovian response, highlighting how pivotal the game-deciding moments were. Jordan James stood out for the Ducks, rushing for 121 yards and scoring the game-tying touchdown. Oregon’s defense played a crucial role as the squad overcame their lowest-scoring performance since 2022, highlighted by quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s struggles, completing 22 of 31 passes for 218 yards without a touchdown.
Wisconsin, coached by Luke Fickell, took a 10-6 lead into halftime but faltered in the second half, unable to secure first downs and ultimately falling short. Despite promising starts, including a 13-6 lead in the third quarter, the Badgers have now lost three consecutive games and have not fared well against ranked teams under Fickell’s leadership.
After Sappington’s field goal, Wisconsin’s attempts to rally failed, including a turnover that sealed their fate. Lanning remarked on the physicality displayed by his team, particularly in the second half. Looking ahead, Oregon will face Washington in their next matchup, while Wisconsin heads to Nebraska seeking to turn their fortunes around. As the season progresses, Oregon appears set to maintain its No. 1 ranking in the AP Top 25 and College Football Playoff standings.
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