One of the oldest rivalries in college football takes on a whole new feel when Oregon and Oregon State clash as nonconference opponents in Corvallis, Oregon on Saturday.
Oregon and Oregon State have played 127 times overall, but the 128th meeting will be the first as non-conference opponents since 1963. The early-season clash is also new. The Ducks and Beavers have played in November or December ever since 1945 and never played in September. Oregon holds a 68-49-10 lead in the all-time series, including a 13-3 run in the last 16 meetings, but Ducks coach Dan Lanning is just 1-1 in the rivalry after a 38-34 loss in Corvallis two years ago.
Former Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith helped power that 2022 win, and the 2020 win as well, before departing to take the Michigan State job in the offseason. The Beavers promoted defensive coordinator Trent Bray to replace Smith, and now in his 10th season with the program the former Oregon State linebacker has his alma mater off to a 2-0 start in 2024.
So it’s the first year of Oregon and Oregon State as non-conference opponents in 60 years and the first edition of the rivalry with Dan Lanning and Trent Bray squaring off on the sideline. The series may date back to 1894, but this clash in Corvallis will mark the start of a brand new day in this in-state rivalry.
Oregon vs. Oregon State: Need to know
Dillon Gabriel keeps it clean: Just like Bo Nix before him, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been able to keep things clean through the air. Gabriel is 59-of-70 so far in 2024, ranking third in the nation with an 84.3% completion percentage while also leading the Big Ten and and ranking 13th nationally with 623 passing yards on the season. The Ducks quarterback has been spreading the ball around, with five different pass catchers totaling at least six receptions and 70 yards on the season.
Beavers boast a solid rushing attack: Jam Griffin and Anthony Hankerson are both averaging more than 100 yards per game on the ground. Griffin ranks 12th nationally at 124.5 yards per contest and Hankerson checking in at 17th averaging 113. Oregon State is the only program in the country that can claim two players inside the top 20 among FBS players in rushing yards per game in this early stage of the season. It is a continuation of the success the Beavers have enjoyed through building the offense around a strong run game and solid play at the line of scrimmage.
A statement game for the pollsters: Though Oregon has started the season 2-0, the Ducks have dropped in the AP Top 25 poll after falling short of voter expectations. The Ducks started the season at No. 3, but after a 24-14 win against FCS Idaho dropped four spots to No. 7. After squeaking by Boise State in the late night slate in Week 2, the voters reshuffled the top 10 and dropped Oregon two more spots to No. 9. Now on the road for the first time all season and facing an old rival capable of causing some issues, Oregon has a chance to reverse that movement with a statement win.
How to watch Oregon vs. Oregon State live
Date: Saturday, Sept. 14 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Reser Stadium — Corvallis, Oregon
TV: Fox | Live stream: fubo (Try for free)
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Oregon vs. Oregon State prediction, picks
Oregon has not yet come close to its top form, but the issues that have prevented the Ducks from meeting expectations are fixable. The offensive line struggles seemed to smooth out during the Boise State game thanks to a mid-game personnel shuffle. If Oregon can avoid the mental mistakes (penalties especially) that have popped up the last two weeks it won’t take long for all the talented pieces to fall into place. I’m expecting this road environment to bring out the best in Dan Lanning’s crew and Oregon rolls. Pick: Oregon -16.5
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