History is a funny thing in college football. Sometimes it takes decades for two powerhouse brands to finally cross paths, and when they do, the world usually stops to watch. That’s exactly what we saw when the first-ever Maryland Terrapins football vs Oregon Ducks football matches officially kicked off.
It wasn't just another Saturday.
On November 9, 2024, the college football world shifted its gaze toward Autzen Stadium. You had Oregon, the top-ranked team in the country, looking to cement their status as the new kings of the Big Ten. Then you had Maryland, traveling across three time zones to play the role of the ultimate spoiler.
The Ducks walked away with a 39-18 win, but the score tells only half the story.
A Record-Breaking Night in Eugene
Let’s be real: most people tuned in to see Dillon Gabriel. The Oregon quarterback wasn't just playing for a win; he was playing for the history books.
He did it.
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During the second half, Gabriel tossed a 3-yard touchdown pass to an unlikely target—offensive lineman Gernorris Wilson. That play didn't just pad the lead; it was Gabriel’s 179th total career touchdown, officially breaking Case Keenum’s long-standing NCAA record.
It was a weird, beautiful moment. An offensive tackle catching a record-breaking pass from a Heisman contender? That’s the kind of chaos that makes the Maryland Terrapins football vs Oregon Ducks football matches so memorable. Gabriel finished the night with 183 yards and three touchdowns, proving why he was the engine behind that 10-0 start for the Ducks.
Maryland didn't just roll over, though. Billy Edwards Jr. put up 206 passing yards and a touchdown of his own. For a good chunk of the first half, it felt like the Terps might actually make Oregon sweat. They jumped out to an early 3-0 lead thanks to a 37-year Jack Howes field goal and trailed only 14-10 late in the second quarter.
The Turning Point Most People Missed
Everyone talks about the Gabriel record, but the game really swung on a defensive play that sucked the air out of the Maryland sideline.
Jordan Burch, Oregon’s defensive menace, got to Edwards Jr., forcing a fumble that Brandon Johnson scooped up and housed for a 62-yard touchdown.
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It was a 14-point swing in a matter of seconds.
Maryland’s Roman Hemby fought hard, grinding out a 1-yard score to keep it close, but the Ducks' depth was just too much. By the time Evan Stewart caught a 17-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth, the outcome was academic. Oregon stayed undefeated, and Maryland was left wondering "what if."
Why This Rivalry is Just Getting Started
Since Oregon joined the Big Ten in 2024, these programs are no longer ships passing in the night. They are conference foes.
The physical gap between the two was evident in the trenches, but Maryland showed they can compete in terms of scheme. The Terrapins’ secondary actually played one of its better games of the season, holding Oregon to a relatively modest (for them) 363 total yards.
Key Stats from the Inaugural Matchup
- Final Score: Oregon 39, Maryland 18
- Total Yards: Oregon 363, Maryland 287
- Turnovers: Maryland 3, Oregon 0
- Attendance: 59,245 (A raucous Autzen Stadium crowd)
Turnovers were the killer for the Terps. You can't give the #1 team in the country three extra possessions and expect to fly back to College Park with a "W."
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Looking Ahead to 2027 and Beyond
You won't see these two play every single year, but the next big date on the calendar is already set. Oregon is scheduled to make the return trip to Maryland in 2027.
That’s going to be a massive test.
Taking a West Coast team and dropping them into the humidity of a Maryland autumn is a different beast entirely. We saw how travel impacted the Big Ten newcomers in 2024; it’s a legitimate factor that could flip the script when the Maryland Terrapins football vs Oregon Ducks football matches move to SECU Stadium.
Maryland is currently in a building phase, trying to find consistency under Mike Locksley. Meanwhile, Dan Lanning has Oregon looking like a permanent fixture in the College Football Playoff conversation.
If you're a fan looking for actionable insights on how to follow this burgeoning series, keep an eye on the recruiting trails in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia). Oregon has been poaching talent from the East Coast for years. If Maryland can start winning those local battles, the gap on the field will shrink faster than you think.
For now, the Ducks own the bragging rights. But in the new-look Big Ten, no lead—and no series record—is ever truly safe.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Track the 2027 Schedule: Bookmark the official Big Ten schedule releases to see the exact kickoff time for the Ducks' first visit to College Park.
- Watch the Trenches: In future matchups, pay attention to the transfer portal additions on the defensive line for both teams; that's where this specific game was won and lost.
- Analyze the Travel Factor: Look at how Oregon performs in games with a 12:00 PM EST kickoff time on the East Coast, as this will be the biggest hurdle for them in 2027.