In a dominant display of power and precision, the Oregon Ducks dismantled the Liberty Flames 45–6 in the 2024 Fiesta Bowl, capping off an exceptional season and solidifying their position among college football’s elite programs. The Ducks, led by star quarterback Bo Nix, overwhelmed Liberty from the first whistle, showcasing their high-powered offense and tenacious defense.
Nix’s Stellar Performance in Final College Game
Bo Nix, playing in what would be his final college game before heading to the NFL Draft, delivered a performance for the ages. He threw for 360 yards, completing 75% of his passes and tossing three touchdowns. Nix’s efficiency was on full display as he calmly guided the Ducks’ offense, connecting with wide receivers Troy Franklin and Tez Johnson, each of whom caught a touchdown pass. His mastery of the game’s tempo was evident as he shredded Liberty’s defense with pinpoint passes and smart decision-making.
Balanced Offensive Attack
While Nix’s aerial assault stole the spotlight, Oregon’s running game was equally effective. Running back Bucky Irving was a key contributor, rushing for two touchdowns and providing much-needed balance to the offense. The Ducks’ offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage, giving Nix ample time to distribute the ball and allowing the running game to find its rhythm against a stout Liberty defense.
Defense Shuts Down Liberty’s High-Powered Offense
Oregon’s defense was just as dominant, holding Liberty’s high-scoring offense—ranked in the top 10 nationally—to a mere 256 yards of total offense. The Flames were held to a single field goal until the game’s final moments. Oregon’s pass rush wreaked havoc on Liberty quarterback Kaidon Salter, forcing him into multiple rushed throws and sacking him several times. The Ducks’ defense also stifled Liberty’s third-down attempts, limiting the Flames to just 4-of-13 conversions.
Coach Lanning’s Praise for Complete Team Effort
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning praised the overall performance of his team. “This was a complete team effort. We knew Liberty was a talented team, but our guys played with discipline, energy, and focus from start to finish,” Lanning remarked after the game.
With the Fiesta Bowl win, Oregon finished the season with a 12-2 record, reaffirming their place as one of the premier teams in college football. As Nix moves on to the NFL, the Ducks’ future looks bright, with their explosive Fiesta Bowl performance laying the foundation for continued success in the years ahead.
