Oregon vs. James Madison: Time, TV Channel, and Preview for the College Football Playoff
Get ready for an intriguing showdown as the Oregon Ducks and James Madison Dukes prepare to face off in the fourth and final College Football Playoff first-round game. These teams have never met on the gridiron and didn't share any common opponents during the regular season, making this a fresh and exciting contest. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about this highly anticipated match:
Oregon Ducks (11-1):
- The Ducks finished the regular season ranked No. 5 in the final CFP poll, just one spot shy of a first-round bye. Despite this, Oregon had a stellar season, with their only loss coming at the hands of the eventual No. 1-ranked Indiana team in Week 7.
- Dan Lanning's squad demonstrated resilience, securing narrow victories against top-ranked opponents. They edged out then-No. 3 Penn State in double overtime in Week 5 and narrowly defeated Iowa by two points in Week 11. However, all other wins were by a comfortable margin of at least two scores.
- At the helm of this offense is redshirt sophomore quarterback Dante Moore, who had an exceptional season, throwing for 24 touchdowns and intercepting the ball just six times. The Ducks boast one of the nation's best receiving corps, but they've faced injuries. Key players like Dakorien Moore, who missed the last four games with a knee injury, and Evan Stewart, a top receiver transfer, have been sidelined for most of the season. Both are listed as questionable for the playoff game but were spotted on the practice field on Monday, offering a glimmer of hope for their return.
- If the Ducks can get these two playmakers back on the field, their already formidable offense becomes even more intimidating. But in the meantime, tight end Kenton Sadiq is the rock of the receiving room and a potential game-changer. He leads the team with eight touchdowns and is a nightmare in the red zone, posing a significant challenge for James Madison's defense.
- Oregon's offense is versatile, averaging over 218 rushing yards per game, ranking 14th in the country. They adapt to their opponents' strategies, making them a dynamic and unpredictable force on the field.
James Madison Dukes (11-1):
- James Madison earned the final 2025 CFP spot by dominating the Sun Belt conference. They are averaging nearly 450 yards per game, with 245 of those yards coming on the ground, ranking them fifth in the nation. Running back Wayne Knight is a standout performer, accumulating 1,263 yards and ranking 10th in the nation. He's also third in receiving yards with 379, making him the backbone of the team.
- However, the Dukes have faced a unique challenge this season. They've played against fewer than 15 points per game, and their only Power Four opponent was Louisville, whom they lost to 28-14 in Week 2. The Dukes' schedule has been relatively easier, with only two one-score games against Georgia State and Washington State.
- Senior quarterback Alonza Barnett III has proven his playmaking abilities, throwing for 21 touchdowns and adding 14 more on the ground. For James Madison to have a chance in this game, Barnett will need to perform at his best in Autzen Stadium. While an upset is possible, it would be a historic feat in College Football Playoff history.
This game promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams bringing unique strengths and strategies to the field. Will Oregon's dynamic offense prevail, or can James Madison pull off a stunning upset? Tune in to find out!
