Oregon defeats Iowa as Atticus Sappington secures the 18 16 win with a late field goal. The 39-yard kick in the final seconds meant Oregon beats Iowa on the road, extending the streak. This late field goal highlighted how Sappington secures 18 16 victories in pressure situations, as Oregon defeats Iowa in a tightly contested game.[1][2][3]
Oregon’s Decisive Final Drive
The Ducks trailed 16-15 with 1 minute 51 seconds left on the clock. Quarterback Dante Moore orchestrated a 10-play, 54-yard drive with precision execution.[4][5]
Moore’s Clutch Performance
Moore completed five consecutive passes on the final drive, finishing 5 of 7 for 47 yards. Before this moment, he had completed only two passes in the entire second half. Malik Benson caught a critical 24-yard reception to the Iowa 27-yard line with 23 seconds remaining. This decisive drive was Moore’s defining moment despite facing Iowa’s strong defensive scheme throughout the game.[6][7][8][9]
Sappington’s Three-Kick Evening
Sappington converted three field goals through challenging conditions: 46 yards at halftime (season-long at that point), 40 yards in the third quarter, and 39 yards in final seconds.[10][11][12]
Oregon’s Ground Game Dominance
The Ducks rushed for 261 total yards at 7.3 yards per attempt, producing seven runs of at least 10 yards.[13][14]
| Running Back | Carries | Yards | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noah Whittington | 17 | 118 | Led ground attack[15] |
| Jordon Davison | 8 | 52 | Multiple explosive plays[16] |
| Dierre Hill Jr. | 7 | 45 | 19-yard TD in Q2[17] |
This ground attack overwhelmed Iowa’s rush defense, which had allowed 83.9 yards per game entering Week 11.[18]
Iowa’s Response and Final Push
Mark Gronowski led a 12-play, 93-yard scoring drive that took 6:45 of clock time. The drive featured fourth-down conversions, including a 40-yard reception by tight end DJ Vonnahme on third-and-5. Gronowski scored on a 3-yard rushing touchdown with 1:51 remaining, giving Iowa its first lead. However, the two-point conversion attempt failed, proving costly in a one-point loss.[19][20][21][22][23][24][25]
Iowa’s Defensive Challenge
Iowa ranked fourth nationally in scoring defense entering the game but surrendered 261 rushing yards. Drew Stevens made a 58-yard field goal, tying the Iowa program record set by Tim Douglas in 1998. Despite strong defensive efforts, Iowa’s inability to stop Oregon’s final drive cost them the game.[26][27][28][29]
Game Conditions and Personnel Impact
Freezing rain and 44-degree temperatures at Kinnick Stadium suppressed passing efficiency for both teams. Oregon operated without star receiver Dakorien Moore (practice injury), tight end Kenyon Sadiq (injury uncertain), and wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr., who exited after a first-quarter catch and did not return with an ankle injury.[30][31][32][33]
Playoff Implications and Records
Oregon improved to 8-1 overall and 5-1 in Big Ten play, marking its first win against an FBS opponent with a winning record this season. Iowa dropped to 6-3, extending its losing streak to 12 consecutive games against ranked opponents. The loss effectively ended Iowa’s playoff hopes.[34][35][36][37]
