Updated

Updated · ESPN · Sep 6

No. 2 Oregon Escapes Boise State 34-27 as Dante Moore Throws for 378 Yards, 3 TDs

Updated

Updated · ESPN · Sep 6

No. 2 Oregon Escapes Boise State 34-27 as Dante Moore Throws for 378 Yards, 3 TDs

Q: What hidden SEC penalties forced Lane Kiffin to abandon controversial roster moves just before his LSU debut?

Lane Kiffin backed off adding former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris because the SEC warned LSU it could face severe conference punishment even if a court appeared to clear the players. The key penalties were a suspension of up to 50% of the season for Kiffin, a fine equal to 50% of LSU football’s annual operating budget, and the loss of LSU’s SEC voting privileges. Reporting also indicated SEC commissioner Greg Sankey could impose additional sanctions under existing league authority, with more extreme possibilities such as forfeitures discussed publicly, though not formally imposed. Those penalties were tied to the SEC’s rule against rostering athletes who had declared for the NFL, NBA or WNBA draft without properly withdrawing, signed a professional contract, or appeared on a pro roster. Wright had been with the Cleveland Browns, and Harris had been with the New Orleans Saints, putting both at the center of the dispute. Kiffin said the uncertainty over exactly how the SEC would enforce those penalties made the risk too high before LSU’s opener against Clemson. LSU therefore left both players off its game roster, despite a Louisiana court ruling that had temporarily strengthened the athletes’ eligibility position.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Sep 6

Dakorien Moore’s long fourth-quarter touchdown catch broke a 27-27 tie and lifted Oregon past Boise State 34-27 in the Ducks’ 2026 opener.
Dante Moore drove the win with 378 passing yards and three touchdowns in a game that swung back and forth for most of the night.
Oregon’s defense sealed the escape after the go-ahead score, preserving the victory despite an early scare from unranked Boise State.
The close call opened the 2026 college football season with a warning sign for No. 2 Oregon, which had been expected to handle Boise State more comfortably.