Dillon Gabriel, No. 1 Oregon Survive Upset Bid from Wisconsin, Praised by CFB Fans

Zach BacharContributor INovember 17, 2024

MADISON, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 16: Dillon Gabriel #8 of the Oregon Ducks throws a pass in the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 16, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

John Fisher/Getty Images

No. 1 Oregon avoided an upset loss against Wisconsin on Saturday night, winning by the final score of 16-13 at Camp Randall Stadium.

Oregon Football @oregonfootball
DUCKS WIN! Oregon takes down Wisconsin, 16-13.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoDucks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoDucks</a> <a href="https://t.co/8B5UYXPRBv">pic.twitter.com/8B5UYXPRBv</a>

Dillon Gabriel recorded his first game of the season without a passing touchdown and threw an interception in the red zone during the first quarter.

NBC Sports @NBCSports
The Badger defense stands TALL in the red zone.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/B1GFootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#B1GFootball</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BadgerFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BadgerFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/WwKRTioB5d">pic.twitter.com/WwKRTioB5d</a>

He was still able to make plays and extend drives in the second half to help the Ducks stay unbeaten after entering the fourth quarter facing a 13-6 deficit, though.

Gabriel finished 22-of-31 for 218 yards.

Oregon was also able to secure the win due to a strong performance from junior running back Jordan James. He picked up 121 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries, adding 25 more yards as a receiver.

NBC Sports @NBCSports
We got a TIE GAME in Madison. 📺 NBC and Peacock | <a href="https://twitter.com/oregonfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@oregonfootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/vgeErr0xrb">pic.twitter.com/vgeErr0xrb</a>

Ducks head coach Dan Lanning stayed aggressive, attempting a fake field goal with his team leading by three points and just under two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

Big Ten Network @BigTenNetwork
FAKE FIELD GOAL STOPPED ❌ <a href="https://twitter.com/BadgerFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BadgerFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/B1GFootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#B1GFootball</a> on NBC 📺 <a href="https://t.co/2T9yzPjl4h">pic.twitter.com/2T9yzPjl4h</a>

Oregon wasn't able to convert, but the team still earned the win with an interception by defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei on a tipped pass at the line of scrimmage.

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Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
OREGON SURVIVES WISCONSIN WITH A LATE PICK 🤯🔥 <a href="https://t.co/EValCXpyRb">pic.twitter.com/EValCXpyRb</a>

Fans were impressed with the Ducks as they staved off a potentially shocking defeat.

QB11 @Qb11Sd
11-0 not a team in America that deserves a bye week more than Oregon. Gutsy win on the road in a big environment after 8 straight games. Take a win, get healthy and get ready for the games that matter.

Zachary Neel @zacharycneel
A win is a win. The No. 1 Oregon Ducks improve to 11-0 for the first time since 2010.

Aaron Torres @Aaron_Torres
Oregon survives Wisconsin. Ducks haven't had a bye since mid-September. Played eight straight games before next week's bye. Made three cross country trips since the beginning of October. That's a more impressive win for the Ducks than you realize 🦆🦆

SuperWest Sports @SuperWestSports
Oregon reaffirms its No. 1 ranking, gritting out a 16-13 win over Wisconsin. Jordan James rushes for 121 yards, surpassing 1,000 on the season to go with a touchdown. Every championship team must survive a low-scoring contest in a hostile venue, and the Ducks passed the test.

Sam @samuel101ts
All good teams have one of these. The great ones find a way to win. That's exactly what happened tonight. Oregon passes a massive test and hits the second bye 11-0. A week to get right before a late season rivalry week matchup with Washington. A lot to clean up, but a W is a W.

Michael James Eiden @MichaelJEiden
Ugly, ugly win, but I'm glad we escaped. This bye week couldn't have come at a better time for Oregon. Need to get healthy and clean up the execution and play calling. SCOOOO DUCKS! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ScoDucks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ScoDucks</a> 🦆

GoDucks.net @GoDucksnet
Survive and ADVANCE YOUR #1 Oregon Ducks <a href="https://t.co/sOoclU4112">pic.twitter.com/sOoclU4112</a>

With the victory, Oregon improved to 11-0 for the first time since 2010.

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