Dillon Gabriel and Jordan James propel No. 6 Oregon to a 31-10 win against Michigan State.

EUGENE, Ore. — With a decisive victory under their belt, the sixth-ranked Oregon Ducks are now setting their sights on Ohio State for one of the most eagerly awaited matchups in their inaugural Big Ten season.

Dillon Gabriel threw two touchdown passes and added another rushing score, leading Oregon to a 31-10 win over Michigan State on Friday night, keeping the team undefeated at 5-0 and 2-0 in conference play.

“You dream of moments like these and games like this,” Gabriel said. “Everyone's excited about it. We’ll reflect on what we can improve, put this game behind us, and then focus on the next one.”

Gabriel completed 20 of 32 passes for 257 yards, while Jordan James rushed for a career-high 166 yards and a touchdown. Tez Johnson contributed with 10 catches for 81 yards and a touchdown.

For Michigan State (3-3, 1-2), it marked their third consecutive loss, complicating Jonathan Smith’s return to Oregon after leaving Oregon State for the Spartans last November. Smith had previously coached the Beavers for six seasons, recording a 2-4 record against the Ducks.

The game began in a lackluster fashion, with Gabriel throwing two interceptions and the Spartans fumbling on the brink of scoring in the first half. “Sometimes my eyes are bigger than my stomach in the red zone,” Gabriel acknowledged.

Michigan State struggled with ball control, ranking 123rd nationally in red zone offense (66.7%) and entering the game with 13 turnovers, the third most in the country. “Against good teams, small errors will get exposed. We're not there yet,” Smith commented.

In a pivotal moment, Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles connected with Nick Marsh on a 44-yard pass to reach the Oregon 2-yard line, but Chiles fumbled on the next play, allowing Oregon's Jordan Burch to recover.

Oregon also faced turnover issues, with Gabriel’s pass intercepted by Malik Spencer midway through the first quarter. Despite a tough hit from former Oregon linebacker Anthony Jones, Gabriel later rushed for a 9-yard touchdown to put the Ducks in the lead.

Gabriel was intercepted again by Michigan State's Charles Brantley in the second quarter. However, James, who had a standout first half with 151 rushing yards, scored on a 3-yard run to extend the Ducks’ lead to 14-0.

Gabriel found Evan Stewart for a 9-yard touchdown just before halftime, followed by a 50-yard field goal from Andrew Boyle in the third quarter. Johnson capped off the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown catch early in the fourth, making it 31-0.

Michigan State managed to avoid a shutout with a 1-yard touchdown run from Kay'Ron Lynch Adams in the fourth quarter, followed by a 42-yard field goal from Jonathan Kim with just 25 seconds left.

Looking ahead, the Ducks are preparing for a significant home game against third-ranked Ohio State. After lackluster wins over Idaho and Boise State to start the season, Oregon has found their stride with convincing victories over former Pac-12 rivals Oregon State, UCLA, and Michigan State.

Coach Dan Lanning stated the team would celebrate Friday’s win until “about midnight” before shifting focus to the Buckeyes. “They’re one of the best teams in the country, so it’s going to be a great challenge for us,” he said.

TAKEAWAYS

Michigan State: The Spartans have now lost all four of their visits to Autzen Stadium. Chiles was sacked four times, and the team mustered only 59 rushing yards. Tight end Jack Velling noted, “The defense had our backs; we just need to finish better.”

Oregon: Gabriel’s three interceptions have all occurred in the red zone. Jordan Burch recorded 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. The Ducks wore a special yellow Nike “Heroes” uniform, designed by Lanning’s family to honor those battling cancer, a cause close to their hearts.

UP NEXT

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

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

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