EUGENE, OR — In a Big Ten Conference battle that will be remembered for generations to come, Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel shined bright in clutch-time, leading the squad to narrowly defeat Ohio State 32-31 in front of a record 60,129 at Autzen Stadium. In case they already didn’t, this wild contest filled with thrills and twists solidified the notion that Oregon is a team to be reckoned in 2015.
It was clear from the opening whistle that this would be a heated match from two teams known for their physical play. Oregon and Ohio State went back-and-forth in a game that had big play after big play on both sides of the ball. Gabriel was all of it, and more — a leader with poise that he demonstrated on the field.
The exact execution of those key plays was instrumental in Oregon’s win. Gabriel finished 28 of 40, throwing for 350 yards with three touchdowns — an example of why he’s widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in college football. That same quality led to his being cool and collected down the stretch in that game.
“I never lost faith in our team and the effort that we put into it every single week,” Gabriel said post game. “Tonight was about coming out to play, doing the game plan and emptying our tanks from start until finish. The guys, I couldn’t be prouder of.”
Oregon was trailing 31-30 with under a minute left in the fourth quarter. Gabriel then drove the Ducks into field goal territory with 1:07 remaining. The win came down to Oregon kicker Camden Lewis, who drilled a 43-yard field goal as time expired.
“You prepare for moments like these. We believed in our process and to just go out there, and I was happy that I could contribute for such a big win by the team,” Lewis said after kicking the game winning field goal.
Defensively, Oregon came up big time and again in the win. While Ohio State boasts a potent offense that is led by star quarterback Will Howard, the Ducks’ defense came up with crucial stops — especially in the fourth quarter– to keep them at arm’s length.
“You know that was the defense, they had to show up and play with all their heart,” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said. “Beating Ohio State when it counted shows a lot of character and resolve with this team.”
And the win surely helped stabilize Oregon in its playoff quest, reinforcing a nationwide message.
College football is extremely competitive everybody and voters know this thanks to Ohio State, however it does not change the fact that they are a very talented team and remain formidable contenders in their conference. Head coach Ryan Day’s record is 2-6 against top five teams.
The viscous buzz echoed over Eugene as fans filed out of Autzen Stadium. They were rejoicing in a game that encapsulates what college football is, dynamic, unpredictable and fraught with heart-pounding drama. What Dillon Gabriel and the Quack Attack did is a solid reminder of just how much fun this season — or even half-season, at least in Friday night terms — will likely sell us with it.
