Oregon Ducks Survive Wisconsin's Challenge, Escape with 16-13 Victory to Stay Unbeaten

The Oregon Ducks' quest for a perfect season remains intact after a dramatic 16-13 victory over Wisconsin on Saturday night at Camp Randall Stadium. With the top-ranked Ducks trailing 13-6 entering the fourth quarter and facing a crucial fourth-and-9 early in the final period, coach Dan Lanning's decision to keep the offense on the field paid off in a big way. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, the Heisman Trophy contender, delivered a clutch performance when it mattered most, leading Oregon to their third narrow win of the season and improving their record to 11-0.

Fourth-Quarter Heroics from Dillon Gabriel

The game had all the makings of an upset as Wisconsin, led by a controlled running game and a tough defense, held the lead through most of the contest. Oregon's offense struggled, especially in the first half. The Ducks had to settle for two field goals after strong drives, and a first-and-goal pass was tipped and intercepted. Meanwhile, Wisconsin was methodical in its approach, led by running back Tawee Walker, who finished with 97 yards and kept the clock moving.

The Badgers held a 13-6 lead heading into the fourth quarter after a touchdown from Wide receiver Will Pauling, one of the fastest wide receivers we have seen in the league this year. A truly talented player coming from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in IL. Pauling, Wisconsin’s number one receiver, was a transfer from Cincinnati and since has proved why he is one of the grittiest and smooth players in CFB this year. The offense wasn’t the only strong factor for Wisconsin’s lead throughout most of the game, their defense seemed to be getting the best of Oregon’s high-powered offense. But then came the turning point: at the start of the fourth quarter, with the game on the line, Lanning made a bold call. On fourth-and-9 at Oregon's 35-yard line, the Ducks had the option to take a delay of game penalty and punt. Instead, Lanning trusted his quarterback and chose to go for it.

Gabriel, showing poise beyond his years, avoided pressure and scrambled to his left. With defenders closing in, he threaded a perfect pass between three Wisconsin defenders, finding tight end Terrance Ferguson for a crucial first down at the Wisconsin 26-yard line. The Ducks would capitalize on the play, needing just three more plays to score their only touchdown of the game, with running back Noah Whittington punching it in from a yard out to put Oregon ahead 14-13.

“It was a big moment, and our guys stepped up,” Gabriel said after the game. “Big plays need to happen in big moments, and that’s what this team is built for.”

A Defensive Stand and the Winning Field Goal

Despite Oregon’s offensive struggles, their defense came through in a big way, especially in the final minutes. After taking the lead, Oregon’s defense shut down Wisconsin’s offense, forcing the Badgers to turn the ball over on downs after a key stop on a fourth-and-2 attempt.

Oregon wasn’t out of the woods yet, however. With the lead still just one point, Gabriel had one more chance to extend it, and he did so with another key scramble. On a critical third-and-5, Gabriel eluded pressure and scrambled for 8 yards, setting up a 24-yard chip shot field goal from kicker Atticus Sappington to make it 16-13 with 2:36 remaining.

From there, Oregon’s defense sealed the victory. Wisconsin got the ball back with one last chance to score but was unable to move the ball effectively. A tipped pass on Wisconsin's final drive led to an interception, allowing the Ducks to run out the clock and secure the win.

Oregon's Resilience: A Season Defining Trait

For Oregon, the win was another example of their resilience and ability to close out tight games. According to ESPN Research, the Ducks are the first team this season to win three games after trailing by at least six points in the fourth quarter. This marks the third time Oregon has come from behind in the final frame to win a game by three points or fewer, a remarkable feat that highlights their mental toughness and composure under pressure.

Oregon’s ability to thrive in close games is nothing new. Earlier this season, they squeaked by Boise State and Ohio State by a combined margin of just four points. These experiences have proven invaluable for the Ducks as they continue to battle for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

“It’s hard to win games, but we’ve got a team that knows how to win,” Gabriel said. “Every week we’re learning how to finish games, and tonight was just another example of that.”

Looking Ahead: Big Tests Await

With the win, Oregon is now 11-0 and remains in control of its College Football Playoff destiny. The Ducks will head into a bye week before facing Washington in their regular-season finale on November 30. A win against the Huskies will clinch the Pac-12 Championship game berth, and depending on how the rest of the season unfolds, could also lock up a spot as the No. 1 seed in the Playoff.

Oregon has proven they are battle-tested, and their ability to come through in crunch-time situations — whether it’s Gabriel’s heroics or a timely defensive play — gives them the confidence to take on anyone in the country.

“We’ve handled critical moments all season, and it’s really paying off now,” said coach Dan Lanning. “When it’s tough, this team knows how to respond. That’s a sign of a great team.”

Final Thoughts: A Win That Defines Oregon's Season

Oregon’s 16-13 win over Wisconsin was not easy, but it was a win that highlighted everything that makes this team so dangerous. They may not have been at their best offensively, but their defense stepped up when it mattered most, and Dillon Gabriel proved once again why he’s a Heisman contender with his clutch play. The Ducks’ ability to win in close games — often when they’re trailing late — is a testament to their resilience, preparation, and mental toughness.

As the season winds down, Oregon is in the driver’s seat for a potential No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. But with Washington and the Pac-12 Championship game still on the horizon, the Ducks will need to keep their focus and continue playing at a high level. With the way this team handles pressure, they could very well be one of the toughest teams to beat come playoff time.

Cameron Williams

DiSportsPhotoAgency

Senior Writer