In an emphatic display of power, the No. 2 Oregon Ducks secured a commanding 35-0 victory over the Purdue Boilermakers on Friday night. This shutout win marks Oregon’s first road shutout since 1992 and strengthens their perfect 7-0 start to the 2024 season. The victory also extends their unbeaten streak to 4-0 in the Big Ten Conference, following the school’s historic move from the Pac-12 earlier this year.
Dillon Gabriel Shines Again as Ducks’ Offense Rolls
Oregon’s offense was firing on all cylinders, led by star quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel was nearly perfect, completing 21 of 25 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Jordan James made his presence felt with two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter alone, setting the tone for the game.
The Ducks wasted no time building an insurmountable lead, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions. By halftime, the game was effectively over as Oregon led comfortably. Tez Johnson, a key target for Gabriel, contributed seven catches for 66 yards and one touchdown early in the second quarter. Running backs Noah Whittington and Jay Harris also found the end zone, adding touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.
Oregon’s Defense Stifles Purdue’s Efforts
While Purdue is known for upsetting higher-ranked opponents, the Boilermakers struggled against Oregon’s relentless defense. Despite accumulating 301 yards of total offense, Purdue couldn’t find the end zone. Oregon’s defense stood firm and capped off their impressive night with an interception by cornerback Kam Alexander in the game’s final seconds, sealing the shutout.
Purdue has endured a challenging season, now sitting at 1-6, and couldn’t capitalize on their home-field advantage at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. This venue is often difficult for visiting teams, but Oregon showed no signs of a letdown despite coming off an emotional 32-31 win over Ohio State just a week earlier.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning praised his players’ focus and resilience. "This place has a history of being tough to play at, especially after big wins like last week," Lanning said. "I’m proud of how our guys stayed locked in and got the job done."
Oregon Eyes Top Spot in the AP Poll
With this dominant performance, Oregon strengthens its bid for the No. 1 ranking in the AP poll. Whether they can claim the top spot depends on the outcome of Saturday’s showdown between the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs and No. 1 Texas Longhorns. If Georgia pulls off the upset, Oregon’s path to the top becomes clearer.
The Ducks are chasing their first national championship in program history, and with their recent performances, they’ve cemented themselves as serious contenders.
Elsewhere: BYU Stuns Oklahoma State in Last-Second Thriller
In another thrilling college football result, No. 13 BYU Cougars edged out the Oklahoma State Cowboys 38-35 at home. The Cougars, now 7-0, scored a touchdown in the final 10 seconds of the game to remain undefeated and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Conclusion: Oregon's shutout win over Purdue adds another statement victory to their already impressive season. With their eyes set on a potential top AP ranking and a shot at a national title, the Ducks are proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten. Fans should buckle up—this could be a season for the history books.