EUGENE — A season filled with conference and national title hopes began Saturday with a stunning blow for the Oregon football team.

Dillon Gabriel was efficient, the Ducks racked up nearly 500 yards of offense and the defense was solid, if sometimes disorganized. But problems along a reshuffled offensive line at inopportune times plagued the Ducks in a disappointing 24-14 win over Idaho on Saturday at Autzen Stadium.

The FCS Vandals were the underdogs with almost 50 points, but they still managed to put together a dogfight in front of a sold-out Autzen Stadium.

After forcing a three-and-out on the opening drive, Oregon marched down the field on its first possession and scored when Gabriel teamed with Tez Johnson for a seven-yard touchdown. Johnson’s reliability and elusiveness were on display all night as he hauled in 12 passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns.

The Ducks sputtered on their second drive, ending with a point after Gabriel’s pass was incomplete. He appeared to cut a finger on the face mask of a Vandals defender on his follow-through, but remained in the game.

In the second quarter, Oregon’s offense stalled again as Atticus Sappington attempted a 52-yard field goal, but missed.

Idaho found themselves in the red zone early and threatened to tie the score. But an interception by Brandon Johnson in the end zone saved the day for Oregon, and the Ducks got the ball back with 10:24 left in the second quarter.

Oregon deployed running back Jordan James and found tight end Kenyon Sadiq downfield, leading to a final seven-yard run by James from the I-formation, giving them a 14-0 lead.

The Ducks struggled through the rest of the first half, their timing off and a reshuffled offensive line struggling to stay consistent. With walk-on Charlie Pickard starting at center and typical starter Iapani Laloulu moving to right guard, Gabriel found himself under pressure from Idaho’s defense more often than expected, and that stalled Oregon’s offense in key moments.

One such push resulted in a fumble by Gabriel in the opposite zone, which was recovered by the Vandals late in the half. Idaho was unable to capitalize on it, and the Ducks went into the break with a two-score lead.

The offensive line’s problems continued on the first drive of the second half, when Ross James was forced to punt again.

After a defensive stop, Oregon burst out of the blocks on its next offensive possession with a 16-yard rush by James, who went down with a possible cramp after the tackle as the heat in Autzen Stadium sweltered. James ran away and would return, but Oregon stalled again, giving the ball away on downs on a fake punt before crossing midfield.

Late in the third period, Oregon scored a 4th and 1 deep on home turf, but came up short when the Vandals took over at the Ducks’ 36-yard line.

On the very first play of the ensuing drive, Idaho cut into Oregon’s lead. Jack Layne found Jake Cox for a 33-yard touchdown on a flea flicker, making it 14-7 for the Ducks with 4:15 left in the third quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, Oregon was unable to score a touchdown in the red zone. They were held back by a holding penalty, but had to settle for a 25-yard field goal by Sappington that made it 17-7.

Idaho responded with energy and playmaking, further narrowing the deficit. A six-play, 75-yard drive by the Vandals was capped by a trick play with Layne running the ball in for a four-yard touchdown, making it just 17-14 for Oregon.

With the game potentially on the line, Oregon went for it on 4th-and-2 deep in Idaho territory with 5:42 remaining. Gabriel found a wide-open Johnson for a 12-yard touchdown, making it 24-14 for the Ducks and giving them some room to breathe.

On the Vandals’ penultimate drive, the Duck defense swarmed the backfield and buried the opponent deep in its own territory. But Oregon’s offense couldn’t seal the deal, giving Idaho one more possession.

An interception by Nikko Reed sealed the victory for the Ducks.

Top performance: Dillon Gabriel: 41-49, 380 yards, 2 TDs.

Main contributors: WR Tez Johnson (12 receptions, 81 yards, 2 TD); RB Jordan James (15 rush, 95 yards, TD); DE Matayo Uiagalelei (3 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 sacks); DB Brandon Johnson (3 tackles, INT).

Main game: Dillon Gabriel’s 12-yard touchdown pass to Tez Johnson, their second touchdown of the day, gave Oregon a 24-14 lead with 5:36 left.

It was over when: With a two-score lead late in the fourth quarter, the Ducks got a much-needed defensive measure, forcing the Vandals deep into defense.

Next: Oregon (1-0) vs. Boise State (1-0), 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at Autzen Stadium (TV, streaming: Peacock)

–Ryan Clarke covers the Oregon ducks and Big Ten Conference. Listen to the Ducks confidential podcast or subscribe to the Ducks Roundup Newsletter.