Both teams are now in the Big Ten and while the Huskies are not having the best season, rivalry games still bring out the best performances. I expect this matchup to bring some added punch since there is more to this game. For years, it was the matchup that made the Pac-12 conference and Dan Lanning has yet to get the Huskies off his back. Washington has won all three games with Lanning as head coach including the Pac-12 Championship game last year.
The game in 2024 has one team with all the momentum, a Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback in Dillon Gabriel and Oregon is now the lone team in the country without a loss following Notre Dame's win over Navy on Saturday. The Huskies have not had the season they thought. Following a National Championship runner-up label from last season in a loss to Michigan, the mass exodus and transfer portal took effect.
Washington's last game was a loss at Penn State, but they, like the Ducks had a bye week prior to their matchup at Autzen Stadium on Nov. 30. For Oregon, it has been a week to get healthy. Key areas for Oregon that have had injuries most of the season include the offensive line, where they have found a way to be competitive. I doubt that Oregon will have transfer Matthew Bedford on the field vs Washington.
The Oregon offense had a scare vs Michigan as Tez Johnson went down with an injury. It was not a season-ending injury at the time and last week Johnson announced on Instagram that he was healthy enough to be back. Over the weekend he had a signing event in Oregon and was seen taking pictures with fans from across the state. I expect he will be on the field on Saturday.
Saturday will be Senior Day for the Ducks against one of their biggest rivals. The Ducks and Huskies kick off at 4:30 p.m. PT from Autzen Stadium. The game will be broadcast on NBC.