Oregon vs Nicholls State Among Several Lopsided Matchups in Week 1

October 27, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA;

It’s the week we’ve been waiting for. Game Week here in Eugene and around the country and the matchup may not be the Kickoff of a few years ago and LSU, but more of a glorified scrimmage for the Ducks as they welcome in an opponent who has two wins in the last two years. (Yes, you read that correctly)

"“Nicholls is going to have its hands full. Maybe they’ve gotten a little better.”Oregon State Head Coach Mike Riley who played Nicholls State to end the 2013 season. The Beavers won 77-3."

These kinds of lopsided matchups aren’t just happening for Oregon, but around the Country as the season kicks off. According to the game schedule on ESPN there are several games with salivating over in Week 1 including Buffalo at #2 Ohio State and Massachusetts at Wisconsin. However next year when the new model kicks these matchups will likely become a thing of the past.

For the smaller schools these matchups represent a pretty good chance at a beatdown over a barnburner, but the repercussions of the loss are felt throughout they year in the check the school receives for getting that beatdown. Last year Nicholls State received$400,000 to face off with Oregon State. Just eight months later they get another $450,000 for taking on the #3 Oregon Ducks. (You can look for a new building dedicated to Oregon and their generosity in the near future – maybe.)

With what Oregon has done with FBS opponents in the past I am not sure you can consider this a true game over a glorified scrimmage. Sure, your not facing off against someone on your own team like in practice but let’s be realisitic about this. Fans who are drooling at the chance to see Freshman Running Back Thomas Tyner will likely get their opportunity in this game – although he isn’t listed on the Depth Chart which came out this morning.

This will likely be a tuneup game for the starters for the first half and a look at the ‘future’ in the second half. One other thing to keep an eye on the record for points scored against an opponent at Autzen was the Ducks 72 against New Mexico State a few years back. That could go down in flames on Saturday.

Gametime: 1pm (Fox Sports 1)

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