Dillon Gabriel, Jordan James lead
No. 6 Oregon to 31-10 victory over Michigan State
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[October 05, 2024]
By ANNE M. PETERSON
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — With another win in hand, sixth-ranked Oregon
can now look toward Ohio State and one of the most anticipated games
of the Ducks' first season in the Big Ten.
Dillon Gabriel threw a pair of touchdown passes and ran for another
to help Oregon remain undefeated with a 31-10 victory over Michigan
State on Friday night.
Oregon is now 5-0 and 2-0 in the Big Ten heading into next weekend's
game at home against the third-ranked Buckeyes.
“You dream for moments like these and just games like this. I think
everyone's excited about it,” Gabriel said. “You look at what you
can get better at, and put this game to rest, and then full steam
ahead.”
Gabriel completed 20 of 32 passes to finish with 257 yards and
Jordan James ran for a career-high 166 yards and another score. Tez
Johnson caught 10 passes for 81 yards and a TD.
It was the third straight loss for Michigan State (3-3, 1-2),
spoiling Jonathan Smith's return to the state of Oregon after
leaving Oregon State for the Spartans last November. Smith coached
the Beavers for six seasons, going 2-4 against the Ducks.

It was sloppy on both sides at the start. Gabriel had a pair of
interceptions and the Spartans fumbled the ball on the verge of
scoring in the first half.
“I just think sometimes my eyes are bigger than my stomach in the
red zone,” Gabriel said.
Michigan State, which lost the football three times in the red zone
in the first half against Ohio State last week, was ranked No. 123
in the nation for red zone offense (66.7%). The Spartans went into
the game with 13 turnovers — third most in the nation.
“When you play really good teams, the small errors are going to get
exposed, the execution is going to get tougher. And we’re not there
yet," Smith said.
Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles hit Nick Marsh with a
44-yard pass to get the Spartans to the Oregon 2, but on the next
play Chiles fumbled at the goal line on a keeper and it was
recovered by Oregon's Jordan Burch.
The turnovers hurt the Ducks, too. Gabriel's pass to the end zone
was intercepted by Malik Spencer midway through the sloppy first
quarter.
Traeshon Holden tripped and fell but still managed to catch a
37-yard pass from Gabriel while lying on the turf. Gabriel was hit
hard by former Oregon linebacker Anthony Jones after delivering the
throw but returned a play later — and went on to run for a 9-yard
touchdown to give the Ducks the lead.
“Big hits are natural and it's a physical game,” Gabriel said.
“You've got to keep swinging. It don't stop and the clock's
continuing to tick. So I've got a job to do, and that's playing
quarterback for our guys.”
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Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, center, talks to his players during a
timeout in the first half of an NCAA college football game against
Michigan State, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Eugene, Ore. (AP
Photo/Amanda Loman)

Gabriel was intercepted again by Michigan State's
Charles Brantley in the red zone in the second quarter.
James, who amassed 151 yards rushing in the first half, ran for a
3-yard TD to put the Ducks up 14-0.
Evan Stewart caught a 9-yard scoring pass from Gabriel five seconds
before halftime. Andrew Boyle added a 50-yard field goal midway
through the third. Johnson caught a 2-yard scoring pass for the
Ducks early in the fourth to make it 31-0.
Michigan State avoided the shutout with Kay'Ron Lynch Adams' 1-yard
TD in the fourth quarter. Jonathan Kim added a 42-yard field goal
with 25 seconds remaining in regulation.
The Ducks now head into the meaningful home showdown against Ohio
State. Oregon had lackluster victories against Idaho and Boise State
to start the season, but have since settled into their first Big Ten
season with comfortable wins over former Pac-12 rival Oregon State,
UCLA and the Spartans.
Coach Dan Lanning said the team will celebrate Friday's win until
“about midnight” before turning the attention to the Buckeyes.
“There's a reason they're one of the best teams in the country, so
it's going to be a great challenge for us,” Lanning said.
TAKEAWAYS
Michigan State: The Spartans have lost all four all-time visits to
Autzen Stadium. ... Chiles was sacked four times by the Ducks. ...
Michigan State had just 59 yards rushing in the game. ... Tight end
Jack Velling said: “The defense had our backs, we've just got to
finish better.”
Oregon: All three of Gabriel's interceptions have come in the red
zone. ... Jordan Burch had 2 1/2 sacks and a recovered fumble. ...
The Ducks sported a yellow Nike “Heroes” uniform Friday that was
designed by Lanning’s family to recognize those who have battled
cancer. Lanning’s wife Sauphia was treated for bone cancer in 2017.
Three cancer patients rang a bell during the game to show they had
completed their treatment.
UP NEXT
Michigan State: The Spartans have a bye next weekend before hosting
Iowa on Oct. 19.
Oregon: The Ducks host No. 3 Ohio State next Saturday.
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