Perhaps it was James Madison going for it twice on fourth down on its first drive of the game. Or, maybe it was coach Bob Chesney calling for a wide receiver pass on the Dukes’ second series of the evening. Even 12th-ranked James Madison successfully pulling off a fake punt could have adequately explained what the scoreboard failed to convey. It was clear that the fifth-ranked Oregon Ducks were in a different class than their visitors in a 51-34 win in a College Football Playoff first round matchup Saturday at Autzen Stadium. Oregon led 48-13 midway through the third quarter before the Dukes added a trio of late touchdowns to make the final score appear closer than the game really was.

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Duke guard Caleb Foster (1) fights for control of the ball with Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson (4) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

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James Madison head coach Bob Chesney talks to wide receiver Landon Ellis (13) after a pass play against Oregon during the first half in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Mark Ylen)

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Oregon defensive back Aaron Flowers (21) tackles James Madison running back Wayne Knight (3) during the first half in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Mark Ylen)

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James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III (14) throws a pass against Oregon during the second half in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Mark Ylen)