Oregon kicker Atticus Sappington made a 39-yard field goal in the last seconds, giving No. 9 Oregon an 18-16 win against No. 20 Iowa at Kinnick Stadium. The Ducks responded to Iowa’s late touchdown drive, setting up the winning kick and extending their road win streak to 11 games.
Last-minute play clinches victory
After Iowa’s Mark Gronowski scored a fourth-quarter touchdown, Oregon’s Dante Moore completed a 54-yard drive, hitting five straight passes, including a 24-yarder to Malik Benson, to set up Sappington’s field goal. Moore had struggled earlier in the game, missing his first two throws.
Noah Whittington was Oregon’s top rusher with 118 yards. Jordon Davison added 52 yards, while Dierre Hill Jr. contributed over 40. Iowa relied on Kamari Moulton and Gronowski for 112 rushing yards, but a crucial fumble in the red zone, along with Oregon’s strong defense, helped the Ducks secure the win.
Impact on playoff standings
This victory not only pleased Oregon fans but also significantly boosted their resume for the College Football Playoff. Before this game, the Ducks had not defeated any FBS team with a record above .500. A win against a top-20 Iowa enhances their playoff bid.
For Iowa, the defeat likely means the end of their playoff hopes, limiting their chances moving forward as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Key players’ performances
Noah Whittington’s strong ground performance was pivotal for Oregon, allowing them to maintain pressure on Iowa’s defense throughout the game. The Ducks’ defense also played a crucial role by forcing key turnovers, including a critical fumble.
Moore’s ability to compose himself for the game-winning drive was notable, especially after a challenging game with minimal passing success until that moment. This resilience adds to Moore’s growing reputation as a capable quarterback.
