(BCSNN) — If Oregon ultimately chases down another conference title or a third straight College Football Playoff berth, Saturday’s narrow escape may look different in hindsight. For now, the Ducks’ 34–27 win over Boise State at Autzen Stadium reads like a hard lesson - and a reminder that even elite teams need early‑season wake‑up calls.

Ranked No. 2 in the preseason poll, Oregon didn’t lead until late in the third quarter and needed a fourth‑quarter spark to fend off the Broncos’ upset bid. Quarterback Dante Moore delivered a career performance, completing 28 of 37 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns, but the Ducks were forced to grind through penalties, miscues and a determined Boise State team that refused to fade.

“They came to play today, Boise State,” Moore said. “This whole week, our mindset was great - we knew they’d make plays that we can’t control, and we just had to make sure we had a next‑play mentality.”

Two years after Oregon needed a final‑play field goal to beat Boise State, the Ducks again found themselves in a tight battle. They outgained the Broncos 497–274, but committed 10 penalties, allowed multiple fourth‑down conversions and muffed a punt that set up a Boise State touchdown. Down 17–7 late in the first half, Oregon rallied in the “middle eight” minutes around halftime and never trailed again - but the margin remained razor‑thin.

“We got our backs against the wall there early, and I thought the guys responded,” head coach Dan Lanning said. “The performance and the execution has to be better.”

Boise State even embraced Oregon’s own traditions, joining in the pre‑fourth‑quarter playing of “Shout!” with the game tied 24–24. But Oregon answered with a 10–3 fourth‑quarter edge, highlighted by a dazzling 62‑yard game‑winning touchdown from Dakorien Moore, who stopped short of the sideline, let two defenders fly past, and sprinted into the end zone.

“They were just doing something that we’ve done before,” Dante Moore said of Boise State’s attempt to steal momentum. “We seen it, we laughed at it, we went out there and put points on the board.”

The Broncos opened the game with a touchdown drive aided by an offsides penalty and a third‑and‑long conversion. Oregon tied it on Jordon Davison’s rushing score, but a muffed punt moments later gave Boise State a short field and a quick touchdown. The Ducks’ defense tightened, holding the Broncos to 93 rushing yards with no run longer than nine yards, but Boise State’s timely first‑down gains kept the pressure on.

“We were just off‑schedule too much tonight,” Lanning said. “Too many second‑and‑fives, too many second‑and‑fours.”

Oregon clawed back with a touchdown to Jamari Johnson before halftime, then tied the game early in the third on Gage Hurych’s first field goal. The Ducks took their first lead when Jeremiah McClellen fought through a tackle for a third‑quarter touchdown, but Boise State answered again, aided by more Oregon penalties.

Only after Dakorien Moore’s highlight‑reel score did Oregon finally seize control. Star edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei recorded a crucial sack, and on Boise State’s final drive Teitum Tuioti, Nasir Wyatt and Na’eem Offord combined for pressures and a pass breakup to close out the win.

Oregon’s receivers and tight ends combined for 24 catches, 372 yards and three touchdowns, while Davison and Dierre Hill added 126 rushing yards and a score. It wasn’t clean, but it was enough.

The Ducks exhaled afterward - and immediately began thinking about what the game revealed. In 2024, Oregon grew from a tight win over Boise State and went on to complete an undefeated regular season. Saturday’s result may prove similarly valuable, especially if Boise State becomes a CFP contender themselves.

For now, it’s a win - and a long list of lessons.