The scoreboard at Autzen Stadium showed Oregon 34, Boise State 27 on Sept. 5, but the scene that lingered came after the final whistle: players from both teams kneeling together in prayer on the field.
“I thank Jesus for all things, man,” Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson said in his postgame news conference.
“Rejoice in all things and thank You, Jesus, for an opportunity to coach this team,” he continued.
The 27-second video shared by reporter Bri Amaranthus shows dozens of Ducks and Broncos packed into a broad circle. Many kneel with heads bowed and arms across one another’s shoulders, their green-and-yellow and blue-and-white uniforms mingling as the noise inside the stadium rolls on around them.
The moment followed a season opener that gave both teams plenty of reasons to run hot. No. 2 Oregon entered as a heavy favorite, yet Boise State built a 17-7 advantage late in the first half and held a 17-14 lead at halftime. The Ducks did not take their first lead until the third quarter.
The teams traded scores until Oregon wide receiver Dakorien Moore broke a 27-27 tie with a 62-yard touchdown reception midway through the fourth quarter. Boise State had one last possession with 2:32 remaining, but the Ducks stopped the Broncos and escaped with the seven-point win.
“They came to play today, Boise State,” Oregon quarterback Dante Moore said.
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“We knew they’d make plays that we can’t control, and we just had to make sure we had a next-play mentality,” Moore added.
Moore completed 28 of 37 passes for a career-high 378 yards and three touchdowns. Oregon outgained Boise State 497-274, but 10 penalties, a muffed punt and two fourth-down conversions by the Broncos kept the game tight until the final snap.
Faith surfaced in the Oregon news conference, too. Wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan, who caught six passes for 150 yards and a touchdown, credited God before talking about the work behind his career day.
“It’s just all glory to God, man,” McClellan said in the university’s postgame interview.
“Just going out there and surrendering it all to Him,” McClellan continued.
On the other sideline, fifth-year Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen completed 15 of 29 passes for 181 yards and three touchdowns. Freshman wide receiver Rasean Jones led the team with 76 receiving yards.
Danielson did not pretend the close loss felt good. He said his heart hurt for players who had put everything into the opener, then turned to a biblical promise about endurance.
“Do not grow weary in doing good because in due time you will reap a harvest,” Danielson said, paraphrasing Scripture.
“Stay in it. Stay in the fight,” Danielson said.
The score still mattered and both teams had work waiting, but in that postgame circle the Ducks and Broncos chose gratitude and brotherhood. The loss still stung as winner and loser knelt side by side.
Oregon will visit Oklahoma State on Sept. 12, while Boise State will host Memphis.
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