Oregon Ducks Win Season Opener 24-14

The No. 3 Oregon Ducks opened their 2024 college football season with a 24-14 victory over the Idaho Vandals, highlighting both impressive performances and areas for improvement. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel had a strong debut, throwing for 380 yards and two touchdowns, with wide receiver Tez Johnson contributing 12 receptions for 81 yards and both touchdown catches. Despite the win, the Ducks faced challenges, including a struggling running game that accumulated only 107 yards and allowing three sacks, a significant increase compared to last season's performance. Head coach Dan Lanning acknowledged the team's need for growth and refinement, particularly in red zone execution, after a game that was closer than expected against a 49-point underdog. Gabriel and Johnson's connection was a standout element, but overall, the Ducks must work on their offensive line issues and pre-snap alignments to improve going forward. The team's ability to learn from this close match will be crucial as they aim for championship aspirations this season.