No. 1 Oregon escaped a huge upset scare Saturday and held on late to secure a 16-13 win against Wisconsin, preserving its undefeated season and taking a big step toward securing a spot in the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game and College Football Playoff in the process.
It wasn’t easy for the top-ranked team in the nation on the road. Wisconsin had a chance to either tie the game or win it outright with less than 2 minutes to play in the fourth quarter after the Ducks failed to convert on a fourth-and-4 deep in Wisconsin territory. But quarterback Braedyn Locke had a pass tipped at the line of scrimmage and intercepted by Oregon defensive lineman Matayo Uiagalelei.
That was one of a few standout plays for Uiagalelei, who constantly came up big for Oregon’s defense throughout the night. He finished the game with five total tackles, one for a loss, and one sack. The Ducks were dominant on defense throughout the game.
Wisconsin actually had two opportunities to either tie or win the game outright with less than 3 minutes to play. The first ended when the Badgers gained just 1 yard in three plays and then failed to convert on fourth-and-9 deep in their own territory. Then Uiagalelei slammed the door on Wisconsin’s second shot with his interception.
The Badgers were held to just 226 yards of offense, including 96 yards through the air. Though Locke made some big plays, he completed just 12 of his 28 pass attempts and Wisconsin struggled to stay on the field as a result.
Offensively, Oregon got work done behind a strong game from running back Jordan James. He scored Oregon’s only touchdown of the night and turned in 121 yards on 25 carries, averaging just under 5 yards per attempt.
Oregon has a bye next week before returning to the field on Nov. 30 against rival Washington with a chance at a perfect 12-0 season on the line.
- Oregon is now 10-0 under Dan Lanning in games that it trailed against an unranked opponent.
- Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel did not score a single touchdown. This was the first game in which he wasn’t responsible for a score since 2022 at West Virginia.
- This is the most wins that Oregon has had to begin a season since 2010, when it went 12-0 before losing in the BCS National Championship Game.
- Wisconsin has suffered nine straight losses against top-five opponents and is now on a three-game losing streak after starting the year 5-2.
- Wisconsin is 0-5 when allowing more than 14 points.
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