For perhaps the last time in many years, Oregon State University and the University of Oregon will contest a match on the gridiron on Nov 24 in Eugene, Oregon.
In the wake of the disintegration of the PAC-12, the in-state football duel is as much about uncertainty as it is about the game.
The fans of both teams will likely be hoping for the series, if this game is indeed the end of the rivalry, to go out a bang – albeit one that sees their preferred university prevailing.
UO, with home-field advantage, will be attempting to avenge 2022’s loss to OSU. The Beavers won a thriller 38-34, but know all too well the obstreperous nature of Autzen Stadium.
In said stadium, the Ducks and their high-powered offense are led by Bo Nix, a Heisman contender who is seeking to bring Eugene its first football national championship.
His 25 touchdowns and two interceptions for 2023 render him one of the most efficient passers in the country, currently ranked fourth in FBS football in passer rating. Of the 16 quarterbacks in FBS with at least 20 passing touchdowns, he is one of only six with four or fewer interceptions and is the only quarterback in the country with more than 20 touchdowns and two or fewer interceptions for 2023.
The Ducks rushing attack is a two-headed goliath consisting of Bucky Irving and Jordan James, each averaging over 6.9 yards per carry on the season. Oregon’s proclivity for keeping the ball from other teams via their lack of turnovers has served them well, and they are a mere missed kick from overtime against a similarly regarded Washington team.
This brings us to the Beavers, led by quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, whose 18 touchdowns and four interceptions on the season are impressive in their own light. Ranking in the top 35 of college passer rating, Uiagalelei’s stats have helped to propel the Beavers to the precipice of the top 10 nationally, along with his backfield of Damien Martinez and Deshaun Fenwick.
Together, they help Oregon State to place No. 30 in rushing yards per game nationally. This all comes together for the Beavers to rank No. 19 in points-per-game in FBS football.
Along the way to a 7-2 record, the Beavers have knocked off then No. 10 Utah and then No. 18 UCLA; only they and the Ducks have beaten Utah so far this season.
With respect to the stakes of the game, the Ducks and Beavers could not be much more motivated; it is likely that the winner goes to the PAC-12 Championship and the loser is relegated to a “you-didn’t make the playoff” bowl game.
Only time will tell us who wins and if it is indeed the last to be played for a while. The bragging rights for Oregon or Oregon State might be ones for the ages.