TV times and schedules came out for the first half of the college football season with some highlights and particular challenges for the Ducks and their fans as the opening kickoff reaches 93 days away.
On September 27 Oregon meets preseason No. 1 Penn State at 4:30 p.m. PT on NBC, a White Out game for the Nittany Lions, a charged prime time atmosphere in Beaver Stadium before 106,572 fans and a likely ESPN College GameDay destination.
The noise and charged atmosphere will be an extra challenge for Dante Moore and his offensive line, while the Oregon defense will have their hands full with senior quarterback Drew Allar, Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen.
Last time that Penn State attack racked up 37 points and 523 yards as the Ducks won a shootout in Indianapolis.
Not surprisingly, the Ducks are in prime viewing slots and on major networks for most of the first half of the year, which is great for recruiting and the profile of the program.
September 13 their game at Northwestern makes the Big Noon Kickoff, something that might compensate for the muted atmosphere at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, a soccer and lacrosse venue with a seating capacity of 12,023.
Midwestern Duck fans will make that an in-demand ticket. The Wildcats were 4-8 last year but have a new quarterback in SMU's Preston Stone, who threw for 3,197 yards and 28 touchdowns at SMU in 2023,
Oregon's home game versus Minnesota is set for Friday night at 6 p.m. PT on Fox. That gives them a short week of preparation coming off a road game at Iowa, an extra day of practice and recovery before hosting USC a week later.
In the week prior the Gophers are playing at home versus Michigan State, giving PJ Fleck and his players a scheduling bonus, though it probably won't be enough of an edge coming to Autzen Stadium.
The second year in the Big Ten and the exposure and opportunity it provides have proven to be a huge benefit for Oregon sports, but the health and mental well-being demands of cross-country travel continue to be a concern.
Dan Lanning is meticulous about preparation and the mental side of the game. Managing that at Iowa/Friday night versus Minnesota turnaround will be a pivotal point in the season.