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Oregon football history: Ducks vs. Washington Huskies to continue on in Big Ten

While conference realignment has ruined some college football rivalries, one of the best rivalries in Oregon football history will continue as both the Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies move to the Big Ten.

By Ethan Lee

Oregon running back Noah Whittington rushes for a touchdown as the No. 6 Oregon Ducks host the No. 24 Washington Huskies Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. Ncaa Football Oregon Washington Football Washington At Oregon
Oregon running back Noah Whittington rushes for a touchdown as the No. 6 Oregon Ducks host the No. 24 Washington Huskies Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. Ncaa Football Oregon Washington Football Washington At Oregon / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA
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As the Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies make the move to the Big Ten, they are leaving behind some natural rivalries that were long standing matchups in the Pac-12. That’s not inherently good for the sport, but that’s the nature of conference realignment. 

Thankfully though, we’ll get to see the Ducks and Huskies play on a regular basis.

And given the history between these two programs, and where they each are right now, that will be fascinating to watch as we see these teams get established in their new conference. 

This is a bit of an underrated rivalry with a history spanning over a century. This clash between Pacific Northwest teams has produced memorable moments, including some very fun recent matchups. 

Oregon football history vs. Washington Huskies series summary:

  • First meeting: December 1, 1900 (Oregon 43, Washington 0)
  • Last meeting: December 1, 2023 (Washington 34, Oregon 31)
  • Oregon's record: 50 wins, 64 losses, 5 ties
  • Total games: 119
  • Largest margin of victory: Oregon 59, Washington 0 (1973) and Washington 66, Oregon 0 (1974)

Oregon Ducks football history vs. Washington Huskies 

This thrilling regional rivalry got started up back in 1900 as the Oregon Ducks claimed an impressive (and very decisive) 43-0 win over Washington in Eugene. And ever since then, the two teams have managed to meet annually (with a few exceptions for World Wars and such). 

As with most college football rivalries, there were times when each of these teams took turns running things. The 1960s and 1970s saw Washington assert dominance, including a brutal 66-0 victory in 1974. Which, you know, that happens to be the largest margin of victory (for either team) in this series. That’s not great! 

But, you know, it is interesting. That absolutely awful defeat in 1974 was preceded by a dominant 59–0 Oregon win in 1973. So, you win some, you lose some. And sometimes you win in really fun ways. Sometimes you suffer an absolutely dreadful loss.

The most recent meeting in the series came during the 2023 Pac-12 Championship Game. And unfortunately for Oregon, the Washington Huskies won what was the final Pac-12 Championship Game ever. 

But now the two teams are in the Big Ten. And as they move forward, this rivalry gets to continue. And that will be fun to watch.

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