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Ducks dominate Big Ten home opener
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Ducks dominate Big Ten home opener

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Oregon football played its part as a top-10 team in college football in the Ducks’ Big Ten home opener against Michigan State — and did it in grand fashion.

For the second consecutive season, the sixth-ranked Ducks (5-0, 2-0 in Big Ten play) have started the year 5-0, with Oregon’s latest victory a 31-10 win vs. Michigan State (3-2, 1-2) on Friday night at Autzen Stadium. The win also marked the 37th consecutive home game victory for Oregon against an unranked opponent.

Running back Jordan James put together his best performance in a Ducks uniform, as the junior ran for a career-high 166 yards on 24 carries. James scored one of four touchdowns for Oregon, which came in the second quarter on a 3-yard carry. 

Watch Oregon football vs Michigan State with Fubo (free trial)

Oregon quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Dillon Gabriel finished 20 of 30 passing with 257 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. With a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Evan Stewart just before halftime, Gabriel moved to sole possession for the third-most touchdown passes in college football history. He also had a rushing touchdown on the night.

Michigan State had troubles all night against Oregon’s defense, as the Ducks held the Spartans offense to just 59 rushing yards and 2 of 11 on third-down conversion attempts. Oregon finished with five sacks and six tackles for a loss on the night as well.

With that, catch up here for scores, updates and highlights from Friday’s Big Ten contest between Oregon and Michigan State:

Oregon vs Michigan State score updates

TEAMS 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q F
Michigan State 0 0 0 10 10
Oregon 7 14 3 7 31

This story was updated with new information

Dan Lanning and the Ducks pick up the 31-10 win in their Big Ten home opener against Michigan State after Spartans kicker Jonathan Kim hit a 42-yard field goal with 25 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. It is the 37th consecutive home game win for Oregon against an unranked opponent.

Aidan Chiles’ night seems to be done as Jonathan Smith sends Michigan State quarterback Tommy Schuster out for the Spartans’ next drive.

Dillon Gabriel’s night seems to be done as Oregon backup quarterback Dante Moore comes in as the Ducks head back on the field. Gabriel finishes 20 of 32 passing for 257 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also had three carries for 22 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

It won’t be a shutout for Oregon, as Michigan State running back Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams runs it in from the 1-yard line for a late-game touchdown. It would have been the first shutout for the Ducks since 2012 vs. Arizona. Instead, it is a 31-7 lead with 8:27 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Oregon converts on its second fourth down play of the night, as Dillon Gabriel finds Tez Johnson wide open for a 2-yard touchdown on the run. Johnson’s touchdown caps off a 15-play drive for Oregon that went 64 yards and took over eight minutes to complete.

Fifteen minutes to go in this “Big Ten After Dark” Showdown, as Oregon leads Michigan State 24-0. While it was a low-scoring third quarter for Oregon, the Ducks’ defense continued their dominance, as the Spartans only ran just one play in Oregon’s territory since the first drive of the night.

Oregon goes up 24-0 against Michigan State, as Andrew Boyle nails a 50-yard field goal. It is the first 50-yard-or-longer field goal for Oregon since 2008.

The Spartans almost completed their longest pass of the night, but Oregon defensive back Brandon Johnson broke up Aidan Chiles’ throw intended for Jaron Glover. Michigan State punts the ball two plays later, giving Oregon the ball back at its 20-yard line.

The Spartans will get the ball first in the second half after deferring the coin toss. Michigan State finished with just 102 total yards of offense in the first half.

Here’s a look at the first-half stats between Oregon and Michigan State:

  • Total offense: Oregon 363, Michigan State 102
  • Passing offense: Oregon 171, Michigan State 81
  • Rushing offense: Oregon 192, Michigan State 21
  • First down: Oregon 17, Michigan State 6
  • Third downs: Oregon 5-for-7, Michigan State 1-for-6
  • Turnovers: Oregon 2, Michigan State 1

Oregon running back Jordan James finished with 151 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown in the first half on 16 carries. Dillon Gabriel finished 12 of 20 passing for 171 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles was 5-of-11 passing in the first half with 81 yards.

Dillon Gabriel finds Evan Stewart on the run in the back corner of the left end zone for a 9-yard touchdown, to put Oregon up 21-0 at the end of the first half. It was a 12-play drive for 73 yards in 1:48 of game time.

The Ducks’ defense comes up with back-to-back stops to get the ball back on offense with two minutes to go in the first half in Eugene. 

Mission accomplished for Jordan James! The Ducks’ running back gets into the back of the end zone on a 3-yard carry up the left side of the field to put Oregon up 14-0 against Michigan State. James has had several big runs in the first half for Oregon, as he is already at 133 rushing yards on the night.

Another red zone turnover from Dillon Gabriel and Oregon, as the Ducks quarterback is picked off by Michigan State’s Charles Brantley on the Spartans’ 2-yard line. Costly decision and throw by Gabriel.

How do you do, Terrance Ferguson? The Ducks’ tight end shows off his shiftiness and speed on offense, as he comes up with a 62-yard reception on a pass from Dillon Gabriel. Oregon is just outside the red zone at the Michigan State 22-yard line.

It is the longest catch and run for Ferguson in his career at Oregon, as noted by Fox’s broadcast.

The Ducks are on top 7-0 against the Spartans after one quarter of action in Oregon. Michigan State is driving on offense and has the ball on its 38-yard line for a second-and-8 to open the second quarter. Oregon out-gained Michigan State 152-67 in total offense yards in the first quarter.

Dillon Gabriel looks to be fine from Anthony Jones’ hit as he runs one in from the Michigan State 9-yard line to put Oregon up 7-0. It was a seven-play drive for 75 yards in 3:30 of game time.

Oregon wide receiver Traeshon Holden comes up with the biggest catch of the night thus far for the Ducks … and he did it while on the ground. The Ducks wide receiver caught the 37-yard catch from Dillon Gabriel to give a first down in Michigan State territory.

Gabriel left the game for a play after going down on the play with a hit from Michigan State’s Anthony Jones.

Here’s a look at the hit from Jones on Gabriel:

The Ducks commit their own turnover in the first quarter, as Dillon Gabriel throws an interception on third-and-goal from the Michigan State 1-yard line. Gabriel was flushed out of the pocket and intended to throw it into a tight window for a score but was instead picked off by Malik Spencer.

The Spartans’ turnover struggles continue as Aidan Chiles fumbles the ball on the Oregon 1-yard line. Oregon takes over the ball. The ball was punched out by Oregon’s Jamaree Caldwell.

Spartans wide receiver Nick Marsh comes up with a big catch for Michigan State as he connects with Aidan Chiles on fourth-and-2 for a 44-yard reception. First-and-goal coming up on the Oregon 2-yard line.

It’s a three-and-out for Oregon on its first drive of the night after Dillon Gabriel throws an incomplete pass on third-and-10. Michigan State takes the ball over.

The Spartans won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, meaning Dillon Gabriel and Oregon will get the first go at it on offense Friday night. Kickoff is just a few minutes away! 

Less than 15 minutes away from the Ducks’ Big Ten home opener against Michigan State. Oregon is 3-0 against Michigan State at Autzen Stadium all-time.

Fox broadcaster Jason Benetti has checked in on X (formerly Twitter) from Autzen Stadium ahead of Friday night’s call of Oregon-Michigan State. Benetti will have the call alongside former Washington quarterback Brock Huard and Allison Williams.

As noted by The Detroit Free Press’s Chris Solari, Spartans linebacker Jordan Hall is going through warmups on the field at Autzen Stadium. Hall was the lone Michigan State player listed questionable on the injury report.

Led by starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel, the Oregon quarterbacks take the field for tonight’s Big Ten showdown with Michigan State. In four games with the Ducks, Gabriel has thrown for 1,192 yards and nine touchdowns. 

Here’s an updated look at the injury report for Oregon-Michigan State, with kickoff less than an hour away: 

Oregon

  • WR Gary Bryant Jr. – OUT 
  • DB Jahlil Florence – OUT 
  • DB Dakoda Fields – OUT 
  • DB Khamari Terrell – OUT 
  • WR Kyler Kasper – OUT 
  • DB Zach Grisham – OUT 
  • OL Dave Iuli – OUT 
  • OL Matthew Bedford – OUT 
  • DL My’Keil Gardner – OUT 
  • DB Sione Laulea – QUESTIONABLE 

Michigan State

  • WR Alante Brown – OUT 
  • WR Antonio Gates Jr. – OUT 
  • DB Ade Willie – OUT 
  • DB Dillon Tatum – OUT 
  • DB Chance Rucker – OUT 
  • TE Michael Masunas – OUT 
  • LB Jordan Hall – Questionable 

The Spartans announced on X (formerly Twitter) that junior tight end Jack Velling will serve as one of their captains Friday night vs. Oregon. Velling followed Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith from Oregon State this past offseason.

With just under two until kickoff, the Ducks release their “Friday Night Lights” hype video against the Spartans, which includes high school clips from several Oregon players. 

The Ducks, donning special “Oregon Football Heroes” pregame gear, have arrived at the stadium ahead of Friday night’s Big Ten home opener vs. Michigan State.

Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon is off to a strong start with the Ducks, as he ranks among the nation’s top defensive linemen through the first five weeks of the season, per Pro Football Focus. He was listed as a four-star recruit and the No. 9 ranked defensive lineman in the transfer portal, per his 247Sports Composite rankings.

Oregon football jersey vs Michigan State

The Ducks will be rolling with a new uniform for Friday night’s game against the Spartans: Oregon Football Heroes Uniform.

The uniform was designed by coach Dan Lanning and his family. As noted by Oregon’s game notes, the uniform represents the story and journey Dan Lanning’s wife, Sauphia Lanning, took in 2017 as she beat bone cancer. 

Here’s a breakdown and meaning behind some of the parts on the uniform, per Oregon’s game notes: 

  • Yellow: The official color for osteosarcoma awareness, the type of bone cancer Sauphia Lanning had. 
  • Helmet: Features a yellow ribbon, sketched by Sauphia Lanning, with the famous Oregon “O.”
  • Ice cream cone: Thought of by Dan Lanning’s son, Caden Lanning, as it was the snack the family had after Sauphia Lanning’s appointments for her treatment.
  • Multi-color cleats: Added by Dan Lanning’s son, Titan Lanning, to represent all groups of cancer patients.
  • Shoulder wings: the hope during the journey from cancer patients and their families 
  • “Take Flight + Fight”: Phrase that mimics the sign of the cross that is an international symbol for health care providers.
  • Helmet, cleats, gloves and sleeve patches all feature a multi-color panel acknowledging victims of all cancers.

Here’s another look at Oregon’s uniform close up:

Entering Friday’s contest against Michigan State, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel is tied with Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava for the fifth-best odds on BetMGM to win the 2024 Heisman Trophy at +1400. 

Here’s a look at who has the top 10 best odds to win the Heisman this year as of Friday:

  • Alabama QB Jalen Milroe (+210) 
  • Colorado DB/WR Travis Hunter (+450)
  • Miami QB Cam Ward (+500) 
  • Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty (+1000) 
  • Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel (+1400) 
  • Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava (+1400) 
  • Texas QB Quinn Ewers (+2000) 
  • Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart (+2000) 
  • Georgia QB Carson Beck (+3000) 
  • Clemson QB Cade Klubnik (+3000)

Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith is 2-4 all-time against Oregon in his seven-year coaching career, with all previous contests coming when Smith coached at Oregon State. 

Smith was hired away from Oregon State, then Oregon’s Pac-12 rival, by Michigan State in November to replace Mel Tucker.

Oregon vs Michigan State time today

  • Date: Friday, Oct. 4
  • Time: 9 p.m. ET
  • Location: Autzen Stadium (Eugene, Oregon)

The Ducks and Spartans will kick off at 9 p.m. ET from Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon on Friday, Oct. 4.

What channel is Oregon vs Michigan State game on today?

Oregon vs. Michigan State will be broadcast nationally on Fox. Jason Benetti (play-by-play) and Brock Huard (analyst) will call the game from the booth at Autzen Stadium, with Allison Williams reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include the Fox Sports Go app by logging in with your TV provider credentials and Fubo, which carries Fox and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Oregon vs Michigan State history

  • Series record: Oregon leads, 4-3
  • Oregon’s last win: 2018 (7-6)
  • Michigan State’s last win: 2015 (31-28)

Oregon enters Friday’s contest vs. Michigan State with a 4-3 advantage in the all-time series record, per Oregon’s record book. In the last four games in the series, each team has won two games.

Oregon vs Michigan State predictions

Graham Couch, Lansing State Journal: Oregon 33, MSU 16

“I think MSU can be competitive in this game and, if the Spartans’ defensive front is better than Oregon’s offensive line, perhaps push the Ducks to the brink, provided MSU also cuts down on its turnovers. It’s just hard to imagine MSU winning in Autzen Stadium against an Oregon team that, while not as impressive out of the gate as some predicted, is still probably one of the top 15 teams in the country. I don’t know that MSU is ready to beat that sort of team on its home field. But I‘ll also be surprised if this isn’t a bit closer than last week’s loss to the Buckeyes.”

Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press: Oregon 31, Michigan State 17

“Smith has the Spartans revved up early, with Chiles delivering early scores and the defense keeping the Ducks from making big plays down the field. But in the second half, Gabriel and Co. make adjustments that get the ball moving, and Oregon’s defense — with a big game from Harmon — wear down the depleted MSU offensive line to send the Spartans to a third straight loss.”

Pete Fiutak, College Football News: Oregon 35, Michigan State 17

“The Michigan State mistakes will come. In the four games against FBS teams – and throwing out the scrimmage against Prairie View – the Spartans have turned it over three times in three of them and four times against Boston College. The penalties have slowed – five in the last two games after getting hit 33 times in the first three games – but there’s still nothing sharp about this Spartan team. Unlike Michigan State, Oregon has been ultra-consistent. Gabriel has been great, the running game solid, and the offense appears to have found its rhythm.”

ESPN Matchup Predictor: ESPN Analytics predicts the Ducks to win Friday’s contest with ease as Oregon has 92.5% odds to beat Michigan State.

Oregon vs Michigan State betting odds

Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Friday, Oct. 4:

  • Spread: Oregon -23.5
  • Over/under: 52.5
  • Moneyline: Oregon (-2500) | Michigan State (+1150)

Oregon vs Michigan State injury updates

From Chris Solari of The Detroit Free Press:

Michigan State

  • OUT: OL Kristian Phillips (left leg season), OL Gavin Broscious (lower left leg, season), DB Khalil Majeed (lower body, season), CB Chance Rucker (arm), WR Alante Brown (upper body), DB Dillon Tatum (lower body). 
  • Questionable: WR Nick Marsh (right knee), LT Stanton Ramil (undisclosed), WR Antonio Gates Jr. (undisclosed), TE Michael Masunas (undisclosed), S Malik Spencer (ankle), DB Angelo Grose (undisclosed), DT Maverick Hansen (lower left leg) and CB Ade Willie (undisclosed)
  • Probable: WR Jaron Glover (undisclosed)

Oregon

  • Questionable: TE Terrance Ferguson (head), DB Jahlil Florence (undisclosed), TE A.J. Pugliano (undisclosed), WR Gary Bryant Jr. (leg), WR Jack Ressler (undisclosed), TE Travis Brashear (undisclosed) and K Andrew Boyle (undisclosed)

Oregon vs Michigan State weather update

The forecast from The Weather Channel is calling for 45 degrees at night with a few clouds after showers are expected to happen throughout the day in Eugene, Oregon.

Oregon football 2024 schedule

Here’s a look at Oregon’s schedule for 2024, including available start times and TV channel information:

All times Eastern

  • Saturday, Aug. 31: vs Idaho (W, 24-14)
  • Saturday, Sept. 7: vs Boise State (W, 37-24)
  • Saturday, Sept. 14: at Oregon State (W, 49-14)
  • Saturday, Sept. 21: BYE
  • Saturday, Sept. 28: at UCLA * (W, 34-13)
  • Friday, Oct. 4: vs Michigan State * | 9 p.m. | Fox (Fubo)
  • Saturday, Oct. 12: vs No. 3 Ohio State * | TBD | NBC (Fubo) and Peacock
  • Friday, Oct. 18: at Purdue * | 8 p.m. | Fox (Fubo)
  • Saturday, Oct. 26: vs No. 25 Illinois *
  • Saturday, Nov. 2: at No. 10 Michigan *
  • Saturday, Nov. 9: vs Maryland *
  • Saturday, Nov. 16: at Wisconsin *
  • Saturday, Nov. 23: BYE
  • Saturday, Nov. 30: vs Washington *
  • Record: 4-0, 1-0 in Big Ten play

* Denotes Big Ten game

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Michigan State football 2024 schedule

Here’s a look at Michigan State’s schedule for 2024, including available start times and TV channel information:

All times Eastern

  • Saturday, Aug. 31: vs FAU (W, 16-10)
  • Saturday, Sept. 7: at Maryland * (W, 27-24)
  • Saturday, Sept. 14: vs Prairie View A&M (W, 40-0)
  • Saturday, Sept. 21: at Boston College (L, 23-19)
  • Saturday, Sept. 28: vs No. 3 Ohio State* (L, 38-7)
  • Friday, Oct. 4: at No. 6 Oregon * | 9 p.m. | Fox (Fubo)
  • Saturday, Oct. 12: BYE
  • Saturday, Oct. 19: vs Iowa *
  • Saturday, Oct. 26: at No. 10 Michigan *
  • Saturday, Nov. 2: at No. 24 Indiana
  • Saturday, Nov. 9: BYE
  • Saturday, Nov. 16: at No. 25 Illinois
  • Friday, Nov. 22: vs Purdue * | 8 p.m. | Fox (Fubo)
  • Saturday, Nov. 30: vs Rutgers *
  • Record: 3-2, 1-1 in Big Ten play

* Denotes Big Ten game

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