EUGENE, Ore. – – With one more win under its belt, sixth-ranked Oregon can now look forward to facing Ohio State and one of the most anticipated games of the Ducks’ first season in the Big Ten.

Dillon Gabriel threw a pair of touchdown passes and ran for another to help Oregon stay undefeated with a 31-10 win over Michigan State on Friday night.

Oregon is now 5-0 and 2-0 in the Big Ten heading into next weekend’s home game against the third-ranked Buckeyes.

“You dream of moments like these and only of games like these. I think everyone is excited about it,” Gabriel said. “You look at what you can get better at, put this game on hold and then continue at full speed.”

Gabriel completed 20 of 32 passes to finish with 257 yards and Jordan James ran for a career-high 166 yards and another score. Tez Johnson caught 10 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown.

It was the third straight loss for Michigan State (3-3, 1-2), negating Jonathan Smith’s return to Oregon State after leaving Oregon State for the Spartans last November. Smith coached the Beavers for six seasons, going 2-4 against the Ducks.

In the beginning it was sloppy on both sides. Gabriel had a pair of interceptions and the Spartans fumbled the ball on the verge of scoring in the first half.

“I just think sometimes my eyes are bigger than my stomach in the red zone,” Gabriel said.

Michigan State, which lost the football in the red zone in the first half against Ohio State three times last week, ranked 123rd in the nation in red zone fouls (66.7%). The Spartans entered the game with thirteen goals – third most in the entire country.

“When you play against really good teams, the little mistakes will come to light and the execution will become more difficult. And we’re not there yet,” Smith said.

Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles hit Nick Marsh on a 44-yard pass to get the Spartans to the Oregon 2, but on the next play Chiles fumbled at the goal line on a keeper and it was recovered by Oregon’s Jordan Burch.

Turnovers also hurt the Ducks. Gabriel’s pass to the end zone was intercepted by Malik Spencer midway through the sloppy first quarter.

Traeshon Holden stumbled and fell, but still managed to catch a 37-yard pass from Gabriel while lying on the turf. Gabriel was hit hard by former Oregon linebacker Anthony Jones after delivering the throw, but returned a play later — and then ran for a 9-yard touchdown to put the Ducks ahead.

“Big hits are natural and it’s a physical game,” Gabriel said. “You have to keep swinging. It doesn’t stop and the clock keeps ticking. So I have a job to do, and that’s playing quarterback for our guys.”

Gabriel was intercepted again by Michigan State’s Charles Brantley in the red zone in the second quarter.

James, who racked up 151 yards rushing in the first half, ran for a 3-yard TD to give the Ducks a 14-0 lead.

Evan Stewart caught a nine-yard scoring pass from Gabriel five seconds before halftime. Andrew Boyle added a 50-yard field goal midway through the third. Johnson caught a two-yard scoring pass for the Ducks early in the fourth, making it 31-0.

Michigan State avoided the shutout with Kay’Ron Lynch Adams’ 1-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Jonathan Kim added a 42-yard field goal with 25 seconds left in regulation.

The Ducks now head into the important home game against Ohio State. Oregon had mediocre wins against Idaho and Boise State to start the season, but has since started their first Big Ten season with comfortable wins over former Pac-12 rival Oregon State, UCLA and the Spartans.

Coach Dan Lanning said the team will celebrate Friday’s win until “about midnight” before turning attention to the Buckeyes.

“There’s a reason why they’re one of the best teams in the country, so it’s going to be a great challenge for us,” Lanning said.

TAKEAWAY

Michigan State: The Spartans have lost all four of their all-time visits to Autzen Stadium. … Chiles was sacked four times by the Ducks. … Michigan State had just 59 yards rushing in the game. … Tight end Jack Velling said: “The defense had our backs, we just have to finish better.”

Oregon: All three of Gabriel’s interceptions came in the red zone. … Jordan Burch had 2 1/2 sacks and a recovered fumble. … The Ducks on Friday wore a yellow Nike “Heroes” uniform designed by Lanning’s family to honor those who have battled cancer. Lanning’s wife Sauphia was treated for bone cancer in 2017. Three cancer patients called during the game to indicate that they had completed their treatment.

NEXT

Michigan State: The Spartans have a bye next weekend before hosting Iowa on Oct. 19.

Oregon: The Ducks host No. 3 Ohio State next Saturday.

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