Just 30 minutes into the Ducks' first game of the postseason, Oregon looked as dominant as it had all season, and it was the usual suspects (barring a few missing pieces due to injury) leading the way.
With a 34-6 lead at halftime, the Oregon Ducks looked exactly like the No. 5 team in the country, if not a few spots better.
Quarterback Dante Moore, running back Dierre Hill Jr., and the linebacker duo of Bryce Boettcher and Dillon Thieneman were the names repeatedly popping up. Surprised? You shouldn't be.
Oregon dominates JMU in first half
Moore finished the half with over 200 passing yards already under his belt, connecting with Jeremiah McClellan, Malik Benson, and Jamari Johnson for touchdowns through the air. He also ran for another touchdown on the ground.
Hill ran in the only other rushing touchdown of the first half for the Ducks and nearly 70 yards on the ground, alongside Jordon Davison, who also had nearly 70 yards in the first half.
While they didn't make a massive impact through the first two quarters, it was incredible to see wideouts Dakorien Moore and Evan Stewart back in action during warmups and on the sidelines. Moore did have one reception for five yards, but undeniably played limited snaps in his first game back from injury.
Veteran running back Noah Whittington also made his presence known, earning 12 yards on the ground and playing a critical role as a rush blocker alongside tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who earned 19 yards on two catches.
3 TDs in the 2nd quarter (so far) 🔥#GoDucks x @CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/bD62K2z3Hq
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) December 21, 2025
Boettcher and Thieneman combined for 12 total tackles, two pass deflections, and 1.5 tackles for loss. Freshman Aaron Flowers earned five total tackles, tying his third-highest tackle total of the season in just one half.
Logically, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning would sub some of these stars out for backups, resting his starters and maintaining their health for the rest of the Playoff, assuming that with a 28-point lead at halftime, the Ducks would move on to the next round.
With a win, Oregon would move on to the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff to face the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders on Thursday, Jan. 1, at 9 a.m. ET in the Capital One Orange Bowl.