Oregon State at No. 6 Oregon, Autzen Stadium, Saturday September 20, 12 noon PT on the Big Ten Network and the Oregon Radio Network.
Despite injuries to Noah Whittington and Dakorien Moore, the Ducks remain a 34.5-point favorite for the Civil War. That's how big a mismatch this game is in its 129th renewal.
Who ignites the offense?
There's been no shortage of it in the team's 3-0 start. With Dante Moore as the point guard they've both marched down the field and scored quickly, third in the nation in scoring at 54 points a game.
Penn State is a week away, however, and (potentially) missing a No.1 running back and No. 1 receiver leaves a question about whether Jayden Limar, Dierre Hill and Malik Benson can continue to carry the load by themselves. Gary Bryant Jr., Cooper Perry, Makhi Hughes-- someone has to step in and make plays.
Whittington and Moore should be back next week. They're currently day-to-day.
Will the offensive line reach the standard?
The Widlcats outrushed the Ducks 178-176. Midweek left tackle Isaiah World said, "One of our emphases going into Northwesterrn was to win the rushing battle, to win the first quarter."
"We won the first quarter, but it wasn't to our standard. I think this week coming in we definitely made that an emphasis to win the line of scrimmage using our technique and doing the best we can and just being able to move the line of scrimmage as best as we could because that's just where the game lives in the trenches."
Last week's performance in the trenches did not live up to the Oregon Standard, but this week is an opportunity to dominate the line of scrimmage.
— Ted Leroux (@TedontheDucks) September 17, 2025
"I think this week coming in, we definitely made that an emphasis" - Isaiah World pic.twitter.com/icQQeHbRHw
It's particularly important this week because in nine days the Ducks travel to No. 2 Penn State, a defense that's allowing just 3.59 yards per play and 5.7 points per game with 29 tackles for loss, among the national leaders in all three categories.
The standard has to rise. The Ducks have to be able to move the ball and the line of scrimmage rather than rely on Dante Moore to bail them out on third and long repeatedly. They need more consistency up front, more productivity on early downs.
Facing a big-armed quarterback, will Oregon's young secondary hold up?
Oregon State's offensive line is another level of struggle. They've surrendered six sacks, 18 tackles for loss and quarterback Maalik Murphy has been under almost constant pressure, having thrown five interceptions.
Murphy, 6-5 234, will test them but he'll provide some opportunities to turn the ball around.
There's talent in the OSU offense-- running back Anthony Hankerson rushed for 1,083 yards last season. Receiver Trent Walker will test Oregon's young corners, 23 catches for 302 yards over the first three games. A sophomore from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Taz Reddicks is 5-11, 194, 15 catches for 213 yards, 11 of those against Fresno State, for 158 yards.
Murphy has a big arm and he's mobile. The Ducks can't allow him to get a hot hand. They need to create some disruption and pressure, forcing some mistakes.
MAALIK MURPHY STRIKE TO THE ENDZONE TO TIE IT IN OT 🚨
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) September 7, 2024
pic.twitter.com/iRR9JhSH1N
They'll want to control the game early and convince an 0-3 opponent that this is not their day for an upset, establish the rhythm and confidence they'll need a week later for a tough road game.
You don't want the Beavers hanging around, thinking they have a chance. And you don't want to help them with turnovers, penalties, coverage busts, missed blocks and self-inflicted wounds. The Ducks need a sharper finish, because the showdown in Happy Valley is likely to be a four-quarter game against a top-rated team coming off a bye.