Ducks and Dawgs meet in historic clash as No. 7 Washington hosts No. 8 Oregon
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix (10) gestures to fans as he exits the field after the team's victory over Stanford in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Stanford, Calif. Credit: AP/Godofredo A. Vásquez
No. 7 Washington (5-0, 2-0 Pac-12) vs. No. 8 Oregon (5-0, 2-0), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Line: Washington by 2½, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: Washington leads 61-48-5.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
The argument could be made that the 115th all-time meeting between the Huskies and Ducks is the biggest in the history of the rivalry. Never before have both teams been ranked in the top 10 of the AP Top 25 at the time of their meeting. Both teams had last week off meaning both should be relatively healthy. The difference may come down to which defense can make a stop or force a turnover as both quarterbacks — Oregon’s Bo Nix and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. — have not been slowed very much through the first five games.
KEY MATCHUP
Oregon’s pass defense vs. Washington’s pass offense. The best pass defense in the Pac-12 faces the best pass offense in the country. For all the attention on Oregon’s high-flying offense, its defense is second in the Pac-12 in total defense and the best at stopping the pass. The Ducks are allowing 153.6 yards per game through the air and 4.8 yards per attempt. But it has yet to face a pass offense anywhere near Washington. The Huskies are averaging 446.4 yards per game passing and 11.6 yards per attempt.
Oregon running back Bucky Irving, right, scores a rushing touchdown next to Stanford safety Mitch Leigber during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Stanford, Calif. Credit: AP/Godofredo A. Vásquez
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Oregon: RB Bucky Irving. It’s been a relatively quiet start to the season for Irving after rushing for 1,000 yards last season. He hasn’t had more than 13 carries in a game and topped 100 yards once. But he hasn’t been worn down and should have a bigger role moving forward with Noah Whittington out for the season due to injury. Irving had 149 yards last season against Washington.
Washington: WR Jalen McMillan. McMillan has missed the last two games after suffering a lower leg injury during Washington’s blowout win at Michigan State last month. Before getting hurt, McMillan had 20 receptions for 311 yards and three touchdowns in 2½ games. McMillan is expected to return and rejoin his fellow standout pass catchers Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk. The trio have combined for 79 catches for 1,378 yards and 15 total touchdowns.
FACTS & FIGURES
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) looks to pass against Arizona during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Tucson, Ariz. Credit: AP/Rick Scuteri
Oregon is 5-0 for the first time since 2013; Washington is 5-0 for the first time since 2017. ... ESPN’s “College GameDay” will broadcast from Washington’s campus on Saturday prior to the game. ... Washington’s 12-game win streak is the second-longest active streak in the country. ... Oregon has won the last two and seven of the past 10 meetings in Seattle. ... Oregon has committed one turnover in five games, tied with Penn State for fewest in the country.
