In the final chapter of his illustrious collegiate career, Oregon quarterback Bo Nix etched his name into program and national history during the Fiesta Bowl clash, where the Ducks emerged victorious with a commanding 45-6 win over Liberty.
Nix’s remarkable performance was punctuated by his record-breaking feats, as he shattered two longstanding Oregon records previously held by the iconic Marcus Mariota, a former Ducks quarterback and Heisman Trophy recipient. Nix’s achievements included surpassing the single-season records for passing yards and touchdown passes.
The stage was set in the first half, where Nix unleashed his prowess, amassing 257 yards and delivering four touchdown passes. In doing so, he eclipsed Mariota’s program record of 42 touchdown passes established in 2014. Nix’s third touchdown throw, a precise 3-yard connection with wide receiver Kenyon Sadiq, marked his 43rd touchdown pass of the 2023 season. He didn’t stop there, as Nix orchestrated his 44th touchdown pass, connecting with wide receiver Traeshon Holden on a 17-yard strike, just seconds before halftime, extending Oregon’s lead to 31-6.
Nix’s accomplishments weren’t confined to Oregon’s record books. He also claimed a national record previously held by former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones. Nix concluded the season with a remarkable completion rate of 77.44%, surpassing Jones’ record for the most accurate passing season in NCAA history. As the day concluded, Nix’s stat line read 28 completions on 35 attempts, 363 yards, and an impressive five touchdowns, prompting his early exit from the game during the fourth quarter.
Touch pass for the score.
Oregon 24, Liberty 6 (Q2 | 3:50)#GoDucks
📺 @espn pic.twitter.com/4zZigxTZ0G
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) January 1, 2024
During the third quarter, Nix added another feather to his cap by breaking Mariota’s single-season Oregon record of 4,454 passing yards, a milestone Mariota achieved during his Heisman-winning 2014 season. Nix achieved this feat with his fifth touchdown pass of the game, marking his 45th of the season, a spectacular 24-yard connection with Tez Johnson.
Nix’s journey to this historic moment began at Auburn before his transfer to Oregon in 2022. In the first half of the game, he had already surpassed the milestone of 15,000 career passing yards, entering Monday’s contest with 14,989 passing yards at the NCAA level.
As the final chapter of his college career unfolded, Nix left an indelible mark on Oregon football. With a 12-win season within reach, his regular-season efforts had earned him a respectable third-place finish in the Heisman Trophy race, trailing behind Washington quarterback Michael Penix and the award’s recipient, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Despite his relatively brief two-year tenure in Eugene, Oregon, Bo Nix’s contributions are destined to be celebrated within the program for years to come. If the Ducks secure victory on Monday, Nix will conclude his Oregon journey with an impressive 22-5 overall record as a starter, capped off by a triumphant New Year’s Six bowl victory.