Oregon vs. Liberty score: Ducks QB Bo Nix ends prolific career with most lopsided win in Fiesta Bowl history

Oregon scored 45 unanswered points after Liberty got off to a 6-0 start on its first drive

No. 8 Oregon sent quarterback Bo Nix out a winner in a big way on Monday, flying past No. 23 Liberty in a 45-6 decision for the most lopsided victory in Fiesta Bowl history. Nix dazzled in his final collegiate start and broke multiple program records on a day in which he finished 28 of 35 passing for 363 yards and five touchdowns. With the win, the Ducks finish coach Dan Lanning's second season with a 12-2 record. 

Liberty, looking to polish off an undefeated season under first-year coach Jamey Chadwell, seemed poised to contend with the Ducks after opening the game with a 75-yard touchdown drive to take an early 6-0 lead, but it was all Oregon from that point on. The Ducks subsequently scored 45 unanswered points, with the offense at one point scoring five touchdowns in as many trips. By halftime, the Ducks held a 31-6 edge.

Five of Oregon's six total touchdowns came from Nix, who broke both the single-season program record for touchdown passes (45) and passing yards (4,508), both previously held by Marcus Mariota in 2014 during his Heisman-winning season. Nix also surpassed more than 15,000 career passing yards during the course of the victory and broke the NCAA record for single-season completion percentage (77.44%), previously held by Alabama's Mac Jones, putting him in select company among all-time FBS passers. It was a day to remember for the former Auburn transfer on all fronts as he now eyes a successful pro career in the NFL. 

• Nix's five touchdown passes were caught by five different Oregon players, and running back Bucky Irving also ran for a touchdown
  
• Oregon's 39-point margin of victory surpassed Nebraska's 38-point win over Florida in the Fiesta Bowl at the conclusion of the 1995 season 
• Liberty's bid at an undefeated season in Chadwell's debut came to an end, leaving only CFP participants Michigan and Washington as the remaining unbeaten teams heading into the semifinals

CBS Sports was with you throughout the game providing live updates, highlights and analysis. Read below for takeaways from the game. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 4:51 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Trend of lopsided New Year's Six bowls continues

Those who hoped to enjoy an instant classic or two among this season's New Year's Six slate will have to bank on the College Football Playoff semifinals to deliver. All four of the New Year's Six bowls this season were decided by multiple scores, with the closest being Missouri's 14-3 Cotton Bowl win over Ohio State on Friday night. The Fiesta Bowl wasn't the only New Year's Six bowl to showcase its most lopsided affair ever this winter. Georgia's 63-3 Orange Bowl win against Florida State was the largest margin of victory ever recorded in any bowl game, surpassing the 58-point margin of victory that the Bulldogs set less than 365 days ago in the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship against TCU. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 4:46 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Liberty exposed by superior competition

Liberty's 13-0 season was magical, but there were serious debates concerning the team's strength of schedule as the Conference USA newcomer plowed its way to a league title in Jamey Chadwell's first season at the helm. Liberty didn't face any ranked or Power Five opponents this season before Monday, prompting many to question how the Flames would fare on this stage, as opposed to other top Group of Five squads among the likes of SMU and Tulane. There was hope early, but Liberty was ultimately outclassed for the final three quarters to the tune of a 45-0 Oregon run. The Flames' defense surrendered nearly 600 yards of total offense, and Liberty's six points were a season low by a wide margin. The previous low was 21 against Sam Houston in early October. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 4:39 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Ducks show total team effort on offense 

Oregon's roster was without 13 players -- leading receiver Troy Franklin included -- for the Fiesta Bowl due to opt-outs and transfers, but that didn't keep the Ducks from flying high, especially on offense. The performance went to show just how much depth Oregon has on that side of the football. A different player was on the receiving end for each of Nix's five touchdown passes, including Tez Johnson, who led Oregon with 11 catches for 172 yards in the triumph. Traeshon Holden and Gary Bryant Jr. also had strong performances with 69 and 62 yards receiving, respectively, with a touchdown each. On the ground, running back Bucky Irving recorded his latest 100-yard performance, rushing for 117 yards and a touchdown across 14 carries. Jordan James was second, rushing for 63 yards on nine carries. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 4:29 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Bo Nix ends college career in style

A lengthy NCAA career full of twists and turns for Nix culminated Monday in a performance to remember for the fifth-year senior who began his career at Auburn. Between breaking two of Marcus Mariota's single-season Oregon passing records, joining the 15,000-yard passer club and even edging ex-Alabama quarterback Mac Jones for the NCAA single-season record for completion percentage (77.44%), Nix both solidified his place among the program's greats and has considerable momentum heading into the NFL Draft process. 

One of the better transfer portal success stories to date, Nix is a big reason why Oregon has 22 wins already just two seasons into the Dan Lanning era, and he leaves big shoes to fill in Eugene. Presumably, the next man in line at quarterback is Dillon Gabriel, who transferred in just weeks ago from Oklahoma ahead of what will be his final season of NCAA eligibility. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 4:19 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Oregon completes Fiesta Bowl blowout 

Final: Oregon 45, Liberty 6 

No. 8 Oregon soared to a 12-2 finish to coach Dan Lanning's second season Monday, flying past No. 23 Liberty in a 45-6 victory at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona. Ducks quarterback Bo Nix dazzled in his final collegiate start, as the fifth-year senior broke multiple program records on a day in which he finished 28-of-35 passing for 363 yards and five touchdowns. The 39-point victory for Oregon is the largest in Fiesta Bowl history, surpassing the 38-point victory that Nebraska notched over Florida in January 1996. That gives the Ducks plenty of momentum entering the offseason as they prepare to join the Big Ten ahead of the 2024 campaign. For Liberty, it's a sour ending to a dream season that saw the Flames achieve perfection ... up until today. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 3:56 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Exit Bo Nix, enter Austin Novosad 

Bo Nix has seemingly played his final collegiate snap. With Oregon still up 45-6 in the fourth quarter, freshman Austin Novosad comes in to finish this one out as Nix receives an ovation from the Ducks fanbase on hand at StateFarm Stadium. Nix will certainly go down among the Oregon greats as he now sets his eyes on the NFL. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 3:46 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Historic Fiesta Bowl blowout unfolding

The Ducks now hold a 45-6 edge after scoring yet another touchdown less than a minute into the fourth quarter, extending their edge to 39 points. If it holds or widens, it would set a new record for the most lopsided outcome in the game's history, which was set in January 1996 when Nebraska beat Florida by 38 points in a 62-24 decision. The Fiesta Bowl has been among the more compelling bowl games in recent years, but that's simply not the case this bowl season, continuing a theme that has been prevalent through the New Year's Six lineup. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 3:38 pm ET · Dean Straka]

One quarter to go 

End 3Q: Oregon 38, Liberty 6 

Barring a miracle, this one is all but a wrap as the Ducks lead by 32 with one quarter to play and are on the brink of a 12-win season in coach Dan Lanning's second season. It won't be surprising if Lanning begins to sub out some starters before long, including Nix after what has already been a record-setting day in his last collegiate game. Liberty has still been held scoreless since the opening drive of the game, one which has been nothing short of humbling for the Flames. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 3:27 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Another Liberty drive stalls

Just when it looked as if Liberty might finally end Oregon's scoring run, the Flames turn the ball over on downs within the red zone, putting what is currently an unstoppable Ducks offense right back on the field. It's just been that kind of day for Jamey Chadwell's group, whose first defeat of the season feels all but inevitable at this point. It has now been seven straight drives for Liberty without points, and the defense hasn't been able to slow down anyone since the infant stages of this game. The Flames' secondary has been gashed for 328 yards through the air, a number that will assuredly grow before this one is over. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 3:17 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Bo Nix making history 

It's getting even more lopsided in Glendale, Arizona, as Oregon opens the second half with another touchdown drive and now holds a 38-6 edge over Liberty. Quarterback Bo Nix, already in sole possession of the Oregon single-season passing touchdown record as of the first half, has now passed for five touchdowns today and 45 overall this season. He's also now eclipsed ex-Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota for most passing yards in a single season by an Oregon player. Nix is truly stealing the show in his final collegiate start, and he's likely not done doing damage today, either. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 2:44 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Oregon in total control

Half: Oregon 31, Liberty 6

The rout is on in the desert after Oregon ends the first half of the Fiesta Bowl on a 31-0 scoring run, bolstered by a monster first half from Ducks quarterback Bo Nix. The veteran signal-caller sits 19 of 25 passing for 257 yards and four touchdowns, guiding the Ducks to points on five of their six first-half drives. Nix shattered the single-season Oregon record for touchdown passes (43) in the process and still has an entire half to do additional damage before his college career comes to a close. Liberty was outgained 280-50 in total yardage within the second quarter alone and will now have to dig deep to keep any dreams of a 14-0 season alive. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 2:31 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Liberty with crucial mistake

Flames quarterback Kaidon Salter was intercepted with less than two minutes remaining until halftime, and that one was hardly Salter's fault after Treon Sibley bobbled away the on-target pass right into the hands of Oregon defender Steve Stephens. Officials reviewed the play, but the call on the field stood. The Ducks now have a chance to extend their lead even more before halftime. Not to mention, Oregon also starts the second half with the ball. Nothing is going in the Flames' favor at the moment. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 2:23 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Oregon puts Liberty in danger zone 

That's a third consecutive touchdown drive for the Ducks, who now lead 24-6 and have Liberty on the brink of a hole that may be too much to overcome. It's now a 24-0 scoring run for Oregon, and all four of Liberty's possessions since the game-opening touchdown have ended with a punt. There's still an entire half of football left, plus spare change in the second quarter, but it feels like a must-score situation for Liberty here. Otherwise, we could be headed for another lopsided New Year's Six bowl game. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 2:13 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Ducks pad their lead 

It's now a 17-6 lead for Oregon after Bo Nix turns a broken play into a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Terrance Ferguson, capping off a second straight touchdown drive for the Ducks. Oregon has completely outclassed Liberty in the second quarter after a tightly contested first frame, outscoring the Flames 14-0 and outgaining them 132-5 in total yards. Nix is 12 of 18 passing on the day and has also now eclipsed the 15,000-yard mark in career passing yards. He is also one touchdown away from breaking Marcus Mariota's single-season touchdown record. 

If Liberty can't find something on the next drive, it feels like this one could get out of hand in the desert. Oregon has scored 17 straight after going down 6-0 early. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 1:52 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Oregon jumps ahead

And there's the explosiveness from the Ducks that we expected. Oregon running back Bucky Irving rips off a 44-yard run on the second play of the second quarter, coming up just short of the end zone before the Ducks break through two plays later. Oregon wide receiver Gary Bryant, Jr. was left unguarded in the back of the end zone, and quarterback Bo Nix didn't miss. The 2-yard touchdown pass gives the Ducks their first lead of the day, 10-6. It's going to be key for Liberty to come up with a response here on the next drive after its defense didn't exactly inspire down the stretch on that sequence. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 1:45 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Low-scoring affair in Glendale

End 1Q: Liberty 6, Oregon 3

So much for the high-scoring affair that looked to be unfolding in the opening minutes at the Fiesta Bowl as Liberty and Oregon combined for just nine points in the opening quarter. The two have combined for three straight punts after each scored on their opening possessions, which isn't what you'd expect from a pair of teams that have made a name on offense all year long. We'll see if the Ducks can break through into the end zone here with the ball to begin the second quarter, but at the moment it's the defenses that have stepped up. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 1:28 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Settling down a bit  

Oregon's offense put together a nice opening drive that saw quarterback Bo Nix complete 4 of 5 pass attempts, but Liberty's defense ultimately came up big in the end with a stop, forcing the Ducks to settle for a field goal and cut the lead in half. Oregon will now have a chance to tie the game -- if not take the lead -- after forcing the Flames to punt. We're moving along here pretty quickly in Glendale with the first quarter already more than halfway over. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 1:10 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Flames off and running

What a start for Liberty, which opens the Fiesta Bowl with a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to take an early 6-0 lead against Oregon. Kaidon Salter found Bentley Hanshaw on a 17-yard pass for the score, but it was a 33-yard gain from Aaron Bedgood -- with a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty from Oregon tacked on top of it -- that really set the tone earlier in the drive. It sure looks like Liberty is going to be playing an aggressive game after that sequence. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 1:01 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Ready to roll in the desert 

It's go time at StateFarm Stadium as Oregon and Liberty get set to kick in their first ever meeting. It's the fourth and final New Year's Six bowl game before the CFP semifinals are contested at the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl later today.  So far, every bowl game in that class has been decided by multiple scores. Will that change today? Strap in for a game between the Ducks and Flames that could feature plenty of fireworks on offense. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 12:40 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Fiesta Bowl pick, prediction 

The Fiesta Bowl has a knack for producing frantic finishes and even some memorable upsets. Nobody will ever forget Boise State's epic overtime triumph against Oklahoma back in January 2007. Just last year, TCU stunned Michigan when the game was a CFP semifinal. To say the least, Liberty will have its work cut out to join that list in Fiesta Bowl lore. The Flames and Ducks both know how to put up points in a hurry, but the level of competition they've encountered to this point isn't comparable. The Pac-12 was arguably the nation's deepest league in its last year of existence as we know it, while Conference USA was anything but that. Liberty will play an emotional game and may display some fireworks early, but the talent gap will eventually show itself. It's the Ducks' game to lose. Pick: Oregon -18 

Oregon vs. Liberty live stream, watch online, TV channel, Fiesta Bowl odds, spread, prediction, pick

Dean Straka

[Jan 1, 2024 at 12:25 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Group of Five has held its own in NY6

It's easy to lean toward the Power Five squad in the annual New Year's Six matchup featuring the Group of Five champion, but history proves that doing so can be risky. The Group of Five participant has emerged victorious four times -- Boise State in 2014, Houston in 2015, UCF in 2017 and Tulane just last season. UCF and Cincinnati additionally held their own in 2018 and 2020 after receiving New Year's Six bids in those respective years, losing respective matchups against LSU and Georgia by just one possession. If Liberty covers or even pulls off the upset, it shouldn't come as a total surprise. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 12:05 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Oregon's NY6 past

The New Year's Six has featured Oregon multiple times since the six-game bowl lineup was officially coined with the College Football Playoff's arrival in 2014, replacing the BCS. The Ducks won the Rose Bowl that season as a participant in the inaugural CFP before dropping the CFP National Championship against Ohio State. Oregon's next New Year's Six appearance again came at the Rose Bowl at the end of the 2019 season, when the Ducks beat Wisconsin in a 28-27 thriller. Oregon made it back-to-back New Year's Six berths upon reaching the Fiesta Bowl to wrap up the abbreviated 2020 season, but fell to Iowa State in a game contested without fans in attendance. With Monday's game comes a chance for Oregon to improve to 3-1 all-time in New Year's Six contests and also pick up a Fiesta Bowl win for the first time since January 2013, when the Ducks soared to a 35-17 triumph against Kansas State. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 11:45 am ET · Dean Straka]

Coaches on upward trajectories 

This game features two of the college football's brightest coaches on the rise in Oregon's Dan Lanning and Liberty's Jamey Chadwell. Lanning, who had no previous head coaching experience before taking the Oregon job in 2022, has guided the Ducks to 21 wins as his second season at the helm wraps up. Chadwell, whose only previous FBS job was at Coastal Carolina (2017-22), has compiled 44 wins over the past four seasons. If the Flames pull the upset in the desert, Chadwell's name will likely be linked to Power Five vacancies once again when the next hiring cycle rolls around. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 11:25 am ET · Dean Straka]

Eyes on Kaidon Salter 

Oregon isn't the only team in this game with a dynamic quarterback at its disposal. Liberty's offense is headlined by former Tennessee transfer Kaidon Salter, whose dual-threat capabilities propelled him to winning Conference USA Player of the Year honors this season. Salter set personal-bests both through the air and on the ground in 2023, passing for 2,750 yards and 31 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 1,064 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. It's imperative for Salter to have a big day in the Fiesta Bowl if the Flames want to have a shot at pulling the upset. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 11:05 am ET · Dean Straka]

Bo Nix's last ride

It's been quite the college career for Oregon quarterback Bo Nix -- one that comes to a conclusion Monday in the desert with his eligibility set to expire. After starting his career at Auburn, where his first collegiate game was a victory against none other than Oregon, Nix has saved his best for the Ducks over the past two seasons. He walks into Monday's matchup poised to surpass 15,000 career passing yards after finishing the regular season with 4,145 yards -- Nix is now at 14,989 passing yards all-time -- and 40 touchdowns passing while committing just three interceptions. When it comes to difference-makers in this matchup, the fifth-year senior tops the list. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 10:45 am ET · Dean Straka]

Liberty's toughest test 

Liberty may be undefeated, but the Flames are three-score underdog for a reason. According to ESPN, the Flames' regular season schedule ranked 133rd -- dead last -- among all FBS teams, with no ranked or Power Five opponents to show. The Fiesta Bowl matchup with Oregon will be the first time Liberty has faced a ranked opponent since suffering a one-point loss at Wake Forest in the opening weeks of the 2022 season. The Flames went 1-2 against Power Five competition last year, with the victory coming at Arkansas. They also had a win against BYU, which was still an FBS independent at the time before the Cougars joined the Big 12 this year.