5 Things To Watch: Oregon-Washington

Saturday, November 30

Eugene, Ore.

4:30 PM

University of Oregon

Washington

Tickets

11/29/24 | Football

Football Game Notes - Washington

The No. 1 Ducks host the Huskies on Saturday (4:30 p.m., NBC).

By: Rob Moseley

EUGENE, Ore. — A spot in the history books can be secured by the Oregon football team Saturday, when the Ducks meet one of their most historic rivals.

The UO football team hosts Washington in Autzen Stadium, looking to secure an undefeated regular season when the game kicks off at 4:30 p.m.

Oregon brings an 11-0 record into the game, and an 8-0 mark in Big Ten Conference play. The Huskies, who like the Ducks are coming off a bye week, are 6-5 overall and 4-4 in conference play; each has a win over Michigan and UCLA this season.

Washington leads the all-time series between the two, 63-48-5, including the last three in a row. Oregon has a 22-14-2 edge in games played in Eugene.

One of those 22 wins for the Ducks in Eugene, in 1994, is featured in the latest "Turn Back the Flock," hosted by Verone McKinley III and this week featuring his fellow former UO defensive back Alex Molden.

Saturday's game will be televised by NBC, with Noah Eagle handling play-by-play, Todd Blackledge providing analysis and Kathryn Tappen reporting from the sidelines.

Some storylines to watch when the game kicks off …

1. Just once in school history has Oregon gone undefeated in the regular season. The Ducks have a chance to make it twice Saturday.

Oregon's other undefeated season was 2010, when the program went 12-0 and earned the right to play for the national championship against Auburn. This year's team is still multiple games away from earning a shot at a national title, but another perfect regular season is possible.

"Since the beginning of the season, we've talked about playing our best football at the end of November," UO coach Dan Lanning said. "Well, we're there. So it's our opportunity to go play our best football against a good team."

2. Washington spoiled a potentially perfect regular season for the Ducks last year, and the Huskies have a chance to do it again Saturday.

Last year's UW team beat Oregon twice, on the way to playing in the College Football Playoff final. It's been a different season for the Huskies this year, but spoiling things for the Ducks would be no less sweet. And for Lanning, it's the chance to get his first win as UO coach over Washington.

"That's one of the things that make this fun — the excitement that surrounds the fans, the alumni and the people who have been a part of games like this for a long time," Lanning said. "It means a lot to us, certainly. But ultimately, it is another game. It's the next game. … It's about execution over emotion."

3. We should know early the answer to the question, how helpful was the bye week for the Ducks?

Oregon has seen some key players miss time recently due to injury, among them defensive lineman Jordan Burch, offensive lineman Marcus Harper II and receiver Tez Johnson. Asked about their status this week, Lanning didn't offer the Huskies any hints.

"When guys are ready to be out there on the field," the UO coach said, "we'll see 'em."

4. Fans in attendance Saturday should plan to get to the seats early to see the 2024 senior class honored during a pregame ceremony.

This year's senior class includes high-impact Ducks who enrolled as freshmen, such as tight end Terrance Ferguson and linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, and those who have thrived since arriving via the transfer portal, such as quarterback Dillon Gabriel and defensive back Jabbar Muhammad. It includes players who grew up across the country, such as offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius, and also hometown stars including linebacker Bryce Boettcher.

Should the Ducks fall short of a first-round College Football Playoff bye, there's a chance they could play another home game this season. But for the seniors, Saturday could be the last hurrah in Eugene.

"It'll be their potentially last opportunity to play here at Autzen, and you want to make sure you send them off the right way," Lanning said. "The later you get in your career, the faster and faster these seasons go and these moments go."

5. By the time Saturday's game kicks off, the Ducks could very well know their opponent for next week's Big Ten Championship Game.

Oregon wrapped up a spot in the game with its win at Wisconsin, and the Ducks already know they'll be the top seed. If Ohio State beats Michigan on Saturday morning, the Buckeyes will earn the other spot, and a shot at revenge against the Ducks.

If Michigan wins, attention will turn to Penn State's game against Maryland at midday; a win for the Nittany Lions opens up their path to the title game. And if both Ohio State and Penn State lose, Indiana could earn the right to face Oregon by beating Purdue late in the day Saturday.