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News, notes for Oregon football vs. Idaho in Week 1

By Justin Phillips

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning during practice with the Oregon Ducks Wednesday Aug. 21, 2024 at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex in Eugene, Ore.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning during practice with the Oregon Ducks Wednesday Aug. 21, 2024 at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
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If you look at the history of the series with the Idaho Vandals, you have to go back to1965 to find a game where the Vandals kept it close at 17-14. The previous nine contests leading to Saturday were all Oregon wins by a large margin. The Ducks are again loaded with talent and have a new face a quarterback in Dillon Gabriel.

It should not surprise fans that Gabriel's passing numbers following last season were just behind Bo Nix, who is now the starter for the Denver Broncos.

Some injured players are set to return in 2024 including running back Noah Whittington. Jahlil Florence is also working his way back, but may not see the field on Saturday. Oregon was the lone team to score 30 points at least in every game last season and the Ducks look to get off on the right foot on Saturday.

After a month of hitting each other, they are looking forward to hitting and tackling someone else.

The Idaho vs. Oregon rivalry actually goes back to 1901 and the Pacific Coast Conference. The teams met on a regular basis. The Vandals have been the Ducks opening game eight times in their history. Idaho also comes into Eugene with something to prove. Under head coach Jason Eck they have made back to back FCS Playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023. The Vandals' quarterback also has a small chip on his shoulder.

Jack Layne was the former Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year and is entering his redshirt sophomore season. He did see the field last season in a limited role. He is one of nine players from the state of Oregon on the roster. Idaho has a young roster, but a talented one as Eck put together a top-10 recruiting class over his first two seasons. Idaho has experience in key positions as well.

The Vandals have it together in the trenches. Seven of the 10 players on the offensive line are returning from a season ago, On the defensive side, six of eight players are back, including four starters. This experience could make for a good game early on, but I expect the Ducks will be less mistake prone and focus on their game for the win in the end.

Oregon football kicks off their first Big Ten season on Saturday hosting the Idaho Vandals. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. PT on Big Ten Network.

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