In a historic debut season in the Big Ten Conference, the Oregon Ducks have achieved an unprecedented milestone by clinching the Big Ten Championship and securing an unblemished 13-0 record. This remarkable feat was solidified with a thrilling 45-37 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions on December 7, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The championship game was a showcase of offensive prowess, with quarterback Dillon Gabriel leading the charge. Gabriel delivered a stellar performance, amassing 283 passing yards and four touchdowns, effectively dismantling the Penn State defense. Wide receiver Tez Johnson emerged as a key contributor, recording 11 receptions for 181 yards and a touchdown, earning him the game’s MVP honors.
The Ducks’ journey through their inaugural Big Ten season was marked by significant victories over traditional powerhouses, including Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State. Head Coach Dan Lanning had challenged his team to become a “keystone species” in the new conference environment—a challenge they embraced and executed to perfection.
Reflecting on the season, tight end Terrance Ferguson noted, “Everyone sees the West Coast, soft, Pac-12, but I’m glad that we showed everyone that we’re not that.” This sentiment was echoed by linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, who stated, “We were meant to be here. We’re at the top of the conference, and we dominated this conference, and we took over the conference.”
The Ducks’ perfect season has secured them a first-round bye in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. They are slated to return to the CFP for the first time since 2014 and will compete in the Rose Bowl against the winner of the first-round game between the Nos. 8 and 9 seeds.
As the Ducks prepare for the next stage of their championship quest, the team remains focused and determined. Defensive back Dontae Manning emphasized, “We’re not done yet.”