The No. 1 Oregon Ducks are eyeing down the final two games of their regular season, which also means seasonal award lists are narrowing down their candidates. One massive (literally and figuratively) award recently announced their semifinalists today, and the Ducks are included.
The Joe Moore Award, given to the best offensive line unit in the country, named the Oregon Ducks as one of their coveted semifinalists. Joining the green and yellow on this list includes No. 9 Alabama, No. 16 Army, No. 5 Indiana, No. 8 Notre Dame, No. 2 Ohio State, No. 6 Tennessee, No. 3 Texas, and finally No. 25 Tulane. This is the third season in a row the Ducks have emerged as semifinalists for this honor.
Oregon offensive line coach Tony Tuioti walks the field during practice with the Oregon Ducks Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
“This year has been unique—many of the units we expected to excel have struggled, and week-to-week performance has been oddly unpredictable at our position,” said Cole Cubelic, the Chairman of the Joe Moore Award voting committee.
Cubelic’s statement certainly can apply to Oregon’s unit. At the start of the 2024 season, many pointed to the offensive line as the biggest weak point for the squad. Against their opening game vs. the Idaho Vandals, the offensive line only allowed 2.9 yards per rushing attempt; a statistic so shocking that Oregon offensive line coach A’lique Terry wore a shirt with the number to the following weeks’ practices to motivate his athletes.
Advertisement
Oregon offensive lineman Iapani Laloulu lines up to snap the ball as the Oregon State Beavers host the Oregon Ducks Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The inside of the line was the biggest struggle for Oregon to overcome. With injuries to last year starter Dave Iuli and transfer Matthew Bedford, and the loss of center Jackson Powers Johnson to the NFL Draft last year, a sure path ahead wasn’t certain for the Ducks in terms of a clean pocket for quarterback Dillon Gabriel and open gaps for rushers like Jordan James. The Ducks had things figured out on the exterior with preseason All-American Ajani Cornelius and former starter Josh Conerly Jr., but the interior was a question mark.
By their bout against Oregon State, the Ducks figured out a switch at left guard and center was essential, allowing Iapani “Poncho” Lalolou to take over snapping duties and Nishad Strother to emerge from the bench and a previous injury to take over the left guard position. Both men have excelled so far, with Lalolou’s communication at the helm creating a strong base to strengthen the trenches.
Since the Ducks have figured out their core rotation, with Dave Iuli back in the mix at right guard after Marcus Harper II was placed on the injury list after Oregon’s win over Michigan, their statistics have shined. In the last seven of their eight contests, Oregon’s offensive line helped create over 150 rushing yards per game. In their last eight games, the Ducks have only allowed three sacks. Though the start of the season significantly heightens their sack statistics (bringing the number up to ten), this drastic improvement should show how impressive it is the Oregon offensive line and Terry were able to right the ship.
On top of all of that, in their win against the Maryland Terrapins, the Oregon offensive line helped Gabriel score his record-breaking touchdown with backup Gernorris Wilson suiting up in 91 instead of his usual jersey number 75 to catch a 3-yard touchdown pass. Conerly Jr. followed up the score with his own two point conversion. In what’s usually a third quarter slump for the Ducks, their only points in that period came from two offensive linemen.
Oregon offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. dives in for a two-point conversion as the Oregon Ducks host the Maryland Terrapins at Autzen Stadium Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Though the Ducks won’t find out who wins the Joe Moore Award till Tuesday, December 3rd, their impressive performance and ability to course correct is already something Duck fans can be proud of.
Advertisement
The trench monsters will be back to keep moving the rock on Saturday, November 16th at 4:30pm as the Ducks take on the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium.
MORE: Wisconsin’s Jack Del Rio Resigns After Drunk Driving Arrest Before Oregon Ducks Game
MORE: Big Ten Power Rankings: Oregon Ducks, Ohio State Buckeyes, Indiana Hoosiers Jockeying
MORE: Oregon Injury Update: Jordan James, Jordan Burch Anticipated to Play vs. Wisconsin
MORE: Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert Makes NFL History Against Tennessee Titans
Advertisement
MORE: Oregon Ducks Betting Odds: Double-Digit Favorites vs. Wisconsin Badgers
MORE: NFL Draft Quarterbacks: Oregon Ducks’ Dillon Gabriel Ranked, Snubbed By Mel Kiper?
MORE: Oregon Ducks’ Dan Lanning Addresses Jordan Burch Injury After Beating Maryland
MORE: Questionable Officiating Oregon Ducks vs. Maryland Terrapins: Unsportsmanlike Conduct
MORE: Oregon Ducks’ Dan Lanning Addresses Jordan James Injury After Beating Maryland
Advertisement
MORE: Oregon Ducks Recruiting: 5-Star Jared Curtis Trending Ducks Over Ohio State, Georgia?
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
The first round of the College Playoff is the next step for top-level teams to take on the road for the National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The top team in the Sun Belt Conference faces off against one of the top teams in the Big East with the hopes to move deeper in post-season play.
The No. 12-ranked James Madison Dukes (12-1) take on the No. 5-ranked Oregon Ducks (11-1) at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday, Dec. 20 with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT
At a Glance: How to Watch James Madison Dukes vs. Oregon Ducks Online
Want to catch first round game live? Below is a quick guide on the best ways to watch James Madison vs. Oregon online.
Advertisement
How to Watch James Madison Dukes vs. Oregon Ducks Game Online
The James Madison-Oregon game airs on TNT. If you don’t have cable, the best way to watch the pro football game is with DirecTV, which offers TNT in all of their packages. Here’s a breakdown of our favorite streaming options, including free trial and pricing information:
best overall
DirecTV
Pros: Free trial, affordable genre packs Cons: Not as many entertainment channels in genre packs as other options
Advertisement
Watch the CFP game online with DirecTV. The streaming service offers various streaming options, while it carries TNT in everyone of its packages. Prices start at $49.99 for the first month and $89.99 per month afterwards for DirecTV’s “Entertainment” package. The streamer even offer a five-day free trial.
Hulu + Live TV carries TNT for James Madison vs. Oregon livestream. It starts at $89.99 per month, but you get access to more than 95 channels. Subscribers also get access to Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited, and Hulu’s full on-demand library of movies, TV shows, and originals. Meanwhile, Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial to start watching the game.
Best Wallet-Friendly
Advertisement
Sling TV
Pros: Tons of channels, easy to use Cons: Requires combination of packages + add-ons, no free trial
Sling is the more wallet-friendly live TV streaming service option. College football fans can use to watch James Madison Dukes vs. Oregon on TNT with the Sling Orange package with prices starting at $45.99 per month. Unfortunately, the streaming service does not currently offer a free trial.
Advertisement
Please note: Pricing and channel availability varies from location to location. Learn more about Sling TV here.
Best for ORiginals
HBO Max
Pros: Hollywood blockbusters, prestige TV, live sports and news Cons: No free trial
Advertisement
You can also watch TNT Sports games, like James Madison vs. Oregon, on HBO Max. Unfortunately, HBO Max does not currently offer a free trial, but it’s relatively affordable with their ad-supported plan starting at $9.99 per month.
James Madison Dukes vs. Oregon Ducks: Date, Start Time, Location
The James Madison-Oregon game takes place at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday, Dec. 20, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.
James Madison Dukes vs. Oregon Ducks Predictions & Odds
For the first round of the CFP, the Oregon enter the game as the heavy favorite. Right now, the Ducks are a -21.5-point favorite to win. Meanwhile, as the underdog, the James Madison Dukes have a 950 moneyline, while Oregon sit at -2,000.
BETMGM
Advertisement
Use code RS1500 at BETMGM and get $1,500 paid back in Bonus Bets if you don’t win.*
You can see full James Madison Dukes vs. Oregon Ducks odds and current wagers online at BetMGM.com. *Bonus Bets expire in 7 days. One new account offer only.
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart (#7) signals for a first down during a Big Ten college football game between the No. 1 Ducks and No. 20 Illinois at Autzen Stadium in Eugene on Saturday Oct. 26, 2024. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian
If Evan Stewart is going to return to the field this season, it’s unlikely to be in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
The Oregon receiver, who has missed the whole season recovering from a torn right meniscus, was downgraded to doubtful for Saturday’s game between the No. 5 Ducks and No. 12 seed James Madison.
It’s not a surprising development, as Stewart appeared limited during the open portion of Monday’s practice.
Receivers Dakorien Moore (knee) and Gary Bryant Jr. (ankle) are listed as questionable for a third straight day, as are cornerback Sione Laulea and safety Trey McNutt (leg).
Moore posted “back” to social media on Thursday and Laulea indicated he was returning to play as well.
Advertisement
No. 12 James Madison (12-1) at No. 5 Oregon (11-1)
When: Saturday, Dec. 20
Time: 4:30 p.m. PT
Where: Autzen Stadium
TV: TNT/HBO Max
Stream: You can watch this game on DIRECTV(free trial) or with Sling (a Sling day pass to watch this game and more is just $4.99). Streaming broadcasts for this game will be available on these streaming services locally in Oregon and Washington, but may not be available outside of the Pacific Northwest, depending on your location.
James Crepea is the Oregon Ducks beat reporter and Big Ten sports reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive. He primarily covers football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball and softball, as well as…
Officials are reminding drivers when confronted with high water to “turn around, don’t drown” as western Oregon continues to see heavy rainfall, swelling creeks and rivers.
Statesman Journal
Oregonians woke up to flooding, which was gradually dissipating the morning of Dec. 19, following a third atmospheric river that dumped 2-5 inches of rain in just 24 hours across northwest Oregon.
Advertisement
Many schools were delayed or canceled, some roads were closed and around 18,000 people were without power.
Heavy rain the night of Dec. 18 led to many roads being flooded across the Willamette Valley. But with only sporadic rainfall in the forecast, meteorologists said standing water should gradually drop.
Stream levels were still high and in some cases still in flood stages, on the Santiam, Clackamas and other smaller streams like the Pudding and Luckimute. But many had crested and were dropping as of the morning of Dec. 19.
“The rivers and creeks that respond rapidly will be coming down in next few hours, but some of the other larger streams are still on their way up and won’t crest until Saturday in some cases,” said Sebastian Westerink, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Portland.
Advertisement
Where did rivers flood their banks?
The most serious situation was on the Clackamas River near Estacada and Oregon City, where the river reached major flood levels.
Closer to Salem, moderate flooding was seen on the Santiam River in Jefferson while the Luckimute, Molalla and Pudding rivers were also still rising into major flood levels.
The Willamette River in Salem will continue to rise above action stage and not crest until Dec. 20, likely leaving some low-lying roads and sites like Minto-Brown Island Park closed.
Advertisement
24 hour rainfall totals (7 a.m. on Dec. 18 to 7 a.m. on Dec. 19)
Eagle Creek near Estacada: 2.77
Cascade Foothills: 4-6 inches
Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 18 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors and BlueSky at oregonoutdoors.bsky.social
