Oregon Ducks vs. Oregon State Beavers Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 14th 2024

Preview and Prediction

Despite only narrowly defeating Boise State at home last week, Oregon maintains its position as a top-10 team.

The Ducks, ranked ninth with a record of 2-0, have demonstrated their strength with a high-powered offense, a potential Heisman Trophy contender in quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and a skilled defense. However, their performance has been marred by frequent penalties, sacks, and turnovers, causing them to drop from their initial ranking of third in the nation.

This weekend, they will face off against in-state rival Oregon State (2-0) in Corvallis, Oregon. The Ducks and Beavers have a long-standing rivalry dating back to their days in the Pacific-8, Pac-10, and Pac-12 conferences. While Oregon has now joined the Big Ten, Oregon State remains in the Pac-12 alongside Washington State.

This will be the 128th meeting between the two teams, but the first time they will play as non-conference opponents since 1963. Despite being located less than an hour apart, this will also be the first time the two teams have faced each other in September in the history of their rivalry, according to the Ducks' sports information office.

This is also the earliest in the season that the Ducks and Beavers have played each other, and the first time they have met in a month other than November or December since October 1945. Oregon currently holds a 68-49-10 record against Oregon State and has won 13 of their last 16 matchups, including a 31-7 victory last season in Eugene.

However, the Ducks have not been successful in their recent visits to Reser Stadium in Corvallis, with their last win there being in 2018.

According to Ducks coach Dan Lanning, this game holds a special significance for both teams. "This is a fun game for the state of Oregon; it's certainly a fun game for our players. I think they know exactly what it means. It means a little bit more," he said. "Is it another game? Yeah, it's another game. Is it important for us? It's very important for us. Our guys want to go out there and have success."

Oregon State, like Oregon, has also started their season with wins over a Big Sky Conference team and a Mountain West team. Last weekend, they shut out San Diego State 21-0 on the road and have two running backs ranked in the top 20 in the nation for rushing yards - Jam Griffin (124.5 yards per game, 12th) and Anthony Hankerson (113.0, 17th).

Head coach Trent Bray's defense has been impressive, allowing only 15 points in their first two games. This is the fewest points they have given up to start a season since 2002 when they allowed 13.

With Oregon's defense struggling against the run in their last game against Boise State, Oregon State will likely look to exploit this weakness and rely on their strong running game. "The great teams that I've been around or have watched have been great running football teams. That's where it starts," Bray said. "Your ability to close out games, you've got to be able to run the football. It definitely helps your defense stay off the field, so it helps you play better defense."

PREDICTION

Oregon Ducks

Oregon State Beavers