After transferring from Oregon State to Oregon in the spring, kicker Atticus Sappington returned to Reser Stadium for the in-state rivalry game donning green and yellow. Despite his change in allegiance, the crowd’s reception was anything but welcoming.
The boos certainly heard as former Beav turned Duck Atticus Sappington took the field a few possessions ago to kick an extra point. pic.twitter.com/alhTfix5Fv
— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) September 14, 2024
Sappington, a junior from Portland, Oregon, made his presence known early in the game by converting the first extra point following a touchdown by Oregon running back Jordan James. However, his former fans were not pleased. As Sappington prepared for the kick, loud boos echoed throughout Reser Stadium, a testament to the intensity of the rivalry.
“Reser gets action-packed; they get rowdy. It’s a strong fan base. We just need to focus on doing our jobs and going out there and executing the way we know how to execute,” Sappington commented before the game.
In the first quarter, Jordan James’ run into the red zone set up the Ducks’ initial touchdown, with Sappington’s successful extra point giving Oregon a 7-0 lead over his former team.
Sappington’s transfer decision came in April 2024, following a standout sophomore season with the Beavers. Last season, he led the Pac-12 in field goal percentage and was fourth nationally, converting 13 of 14 attempts. His accuracy extended to field goals from 40-49 yards (5-of-6), 30-39 yards (5-of-5), and 20-29 yards (3-of-3), with a career-long of 48 yards. He also made 49 of 50 extra-point attempts.
“It was time to move on,” Sappington said about his transfer. “I couldn’t be more excited to be here and be a part of the team.”
Sappington is already making an impact at Oregon. In the previous game against Boise State, he secured a 24-yard game-winning field goal to clinch a 37-34 victory.
“It’s pretty surreal. That was one of the best feelings I’ve had in my entire life,” Sappington reflected. “For me, it’s just, I made the kick, keep stacking, keep getting better, and focus on the next kick.”