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Oregon

Ducks Survive Slugfest in Happy Valley, 30-24

by: Ted Leroux09/28/25
Kenyon Sadiq
Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq hurdles a defender against Penn State. (Photo by: Max Unkrich/ScoopDuckOn3)

Saturday night was a statement in Happy Valley — a statement that this Oregon team can win a tough, physical Big Ten slug fest.

The first half featured two college football titans exchanging blows in a defensive slugfest in Happy Valley. It felt like a classic chess match — two heavyweights cautiously feeling each other out.

Following punts on the opening drives from both teams, Oregon was the first to break into enemy territory late in the first quarter. However, quarterback Dante Moore came up just short on a critical play, turning the ball over on downs to the Nittany Lions.

Penn State responded with a methodical 11-play, 32-yard drive, eventually settling for a 49-yard field goal by Ryan Barker to take a 3–0 lead early in the second quarter.

Oregon looked poised to answer on the very next possession. A 24-yard burst from Dierre Hill injected life into the Ducks’ offense on the first play of the drive. But once again, Moore was stopped short on a key down, and kicker Atticus Sappington missed the field goal wide left, keeping the scoreboard empty for Oregon.

After a quick three-and-out from Penn State, another big play gave Oregon new momentum. On 4th & 1, Dante Moore found Dakorien Moore for a 20-yard strike to keep the drive alive. This time, the Ducks capitalized — at least partially — with Sappington redeeming himself by drilling a 42-yard field goal to tie the game at 3 heading into halftime.

After forcing another punt to open the second half, the Ducks marched down the field with renewed energy. The drive featured another big run from Dierre Hill, and what initially appeared to be a fumble by Noah Whittington was overturned upon review. Hill then capped off the drive by catching an 8-yard screen pass for a touchdown, giving Oregon a 10–3 lead late in the third quarter.

Dante Moore continued to come through in the clutch, making key throws at critical moments throughout the game — and the next drive was no exception. Facing 3rd and 4, Moore connected with Dakorien Moore for a 29-yard gain to keep the drive alive. A few plays later, Jordon Davison punched it in with an 8-yard touchdown run, extending Oregon’s lead to 17–3.

When Penn State needed a spark, the following drive provided that, the Nittany Lions capped off a 75 yard drive in just 4 plays on a 35 yard Devonte Ross touchdown grab that tightened the Oregon lead to a single possession.

When Penn State desperately needed a spark, the offense delivered on the ensuing drive. The Nittany Lions marched 75 yards in just four plays, capping the drive with a 35-yard touchdown strike to Devonte Ross that cut Oregon’s lead to one possession.

The Nittany Lions carried their momentum into the next drive, seizing control of the game with a physical, time-consuming possession. They converted two fourth downs and chewed over six and a half minutes off the clock, eventually capping the drive with Devonte Ross’s second touchdown of the game. The score tied things up at 17–17 and sent this defensive slugfest into overtime.

Penn State stayed hot to open overtime, needing just three plays to find the end zone on a 4-yard touchdown run by Kaytron Allen. Oregon answered right back on its first overtime possession, converting a do-or-die 4th & 1 with a clutch run by Dante Moore. Moore then capped the drive with a shovel pass to Jamari Johnson for the touchdown, sending the game into double overtime.

Moore wasted no time in the second extra period, striking on the very first play with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Gary Bryant Jr. However, the Ducks failed to convert the two-point attempt, settling for a 30–24 lead.

That missed conversion set the stage for a dramatic finish — but on Penn State’s first play of the second overtime, Dillon Thieneman stepped in front of a pass for a game-sealing interception, capping off a thrilling win and keeping Oregon’s undefeated season alive.

Dante Moore was clutch all night, delivering gutsy throws when his team needed them most. He finished the game completing 29 of 39 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns — a poised and efficient performance under pressure.

While Penn State eventually found its rhythm in the run game late, Oregon’s run defense held firm for most of the night, limiting the Nittany Lions to just 139 rushing yards — a testament to the Ducks’ physicality up front.

Oregon came into State College and made a clear statement: this team has the resolve, the toughness, and the versatility to win in any environment.

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