Entering Oregon football’s second weekend of the season, it seems as if some of the doomsday talk from fans has died down from the previous week. Several avid Duck enthusiasts are leaning towards the ugly play shown vs. Idaho as simply a fluke, or a needed wakeup call for this years’ squad. Maybe falling from the number three ranked spot to the number seventh will bring a needed chip to the shoulders of these Oregon players.
That chip is much needed, as Oregon enters into their next contest tomorrow against Boise State, who opened their season vs. Georgia Southern last week 56-45. This game will be the first night kick-off for the Ducks, with a 7 p.m. PT kick time at Autzen Stadium, as well as Oregon’s first FBS opponent of the season.
Though the Broncos are a Group Five Mountain West Conference team, there’s some serious talent in the run game that Oregon needs to look out for. Plus, Boise State has been projected several times to be a dark horse competitor in the new 12-team College Football Playoff as the potential fifth conference champion that joins the first playoff round. Boise State is arguably a far better team than Idaho, so leading with 10 points in the second half is simply not acceptable this weekend.
With all that in mind, let’s break down three big areas to focus on during Oregon’s game vs. Boise State.
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Oregon linemen hold the line during a point after kick as the Oregon Ducks host the Idaho Vandals Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
1. Oregon’s Offensive Line
Arguably the biggest sore spot for Oregon during the Idaho game, the offensive line was simply not able to open the gaps needed to propel the run game and wasn’t able to keep quarterback Dillon Gabriel comfortable in the pocket. Gabriel focused on a majority of short passes after he hurt a finger due to pressure the offensive line couldn’t stop. During the Idaho post game press conference, wide receiver Tez Johnson even remarked that Gabriel seemed uncomfortable. Looking at how the line couldn’t protect Gabriel from Idaho defenders, that uncomfort seems founded.
Furthermore, the trenches had several frivolous penalties. Most notably, tackle Ajani Cornelius racked up two illegal formation calls, Josh Conerly Jr. picked up a false start penalty, and Iapani “Poncho” Laloulou got a false start and a holding penalty. Out of the eight penalties for Oregon that cost the team 60 yards, five of those penalties resulting in 30 yards lost were on the offensive line specifically.
The line only allowed 2.9 yards per carry against Idaho’s defense, a miserable statistic that offensive line coach A’lique Terry wore on a shirt during this week’s practices.
Indiana transfer Matthew Bedford was confirmed to be returning for the game by Ducks coach Dan Lanning in his weekly press conference, however Charlie Pickard and Iapani Laloulou continued to take first team reps at center and right guard.
Going into the Boise State game, watch to see if the offensive line is able to improve their communication and cohesiveness to be able to efficiently block Boise State’s defenders.
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Aug 31, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei (10) sacks Idaho Vandals quarterback Jack Layne (2) during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images / Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
2. Boise State’s Run Game.
A highlight of the Boise State offense, their run game is uplifted by Heisman hopeful Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty scored six touchdowns against Georgia Southern last game and racked up over 500 yards. Last year, Jeanty was the only NCAA athlete with multiple rushing and receiving touchdowns over 50 yards. In his weekly press conference, Lanning called Jeanty an “NFL guy” and shared he was impressed watching Jeanty’s tape.
Boise State is able to give Jeanty the ability to dominate the run game by allowing a stretch offense and shifting the pocket so rushers like Jeanty are able to navigate more gaps and fake to the outside of the line. Oregon’s task would be to keep Jeanty’s yardage low by having the defensive line cause pressures and allow secondary players, like defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei, contain Jeanty. Against Idaho, Uiagalelei shined with two sacks, and he will certainly be a player to watch for Oregon’s rush defense.
Though a problem in big moments last year, especially during the two games against Washington, Lanning claims work over the off-season has fixed these problems.
So, be on the lookout for if Oregon is able to stop Boise State’s rushing talents.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore throws out a pass during practice with the Oregon Ducks Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024 at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
3. Will back-ups enter the game?
This is the most up-in-the-air topic that will prove interesting if second team athletes see the field. Due to their performance during Idaho being less than lackluster, Oregon’s first team stayed on the field for the remainder of the game to secure a Duck win.
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Many thought before the Idaho game occurred that back-up quarterback and UCLA transfer Dante Moore would get a few snaps, there would be more appearances from wide receiver Kyler Kasper, Evan Stewart would get more than three targets at tight end, some potential runs for running back Jayden Limar, and the well-performing Oregon first team defense would get a break. That was not the case.
For this game, it’d be interesting to see if Oregon’s back-ups and younger players get field time, but that all depends on if the first team can get it together to be in a comfortable lead. If the Ducks are up by three or more scores in the third quarter or two or more scores in the fourth quarter, there may be a chance to see some young blood hit the turf.
Overall, improvement is the real focus for Oregon’s game vs. Boise State. The offense in particular has to show up and show out to avoid a continued “upset alert” label from the media and fans. From Lanning’s press conferences, it seems like Oregon is determined to put out a better product on the field than last week, and one can only hope that they do.
MORE: How To Watch Oregon Ducks vs. Boise State: Channel, Streaming, Big Ten Blackout?
More: Oregon Ducks Coach Wears Statement T-Shirt Before Boise State
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Forecasters with the National Weather Service are closely monitoring the windstorm but say it’s still too early to predict how strong those winds will be on Wednesday.
A car is crushed by a fallen tree on Northeast 24th Avenue on Wednesday, Dec. 17., 2025 in Portland.
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Saskia Hatvany / OPB
A windstorm packing gusts of up to 65 mph could hit western Oregon and Southwest Washington on Christmas Eve, triggering power outages and downing trees, forecasters and electric utilities warned Monday.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service are closely monitoring the windstorm as it moves up the coast, but say it’s still too early to predict exactly how strong those winds will be on Wednesday.
Gusts of at least 45 miles per hour could pass through much of western Oregon and Southwest Washington between 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
While there is still a lot of uncertainty around the windstorm, now is the time for residents to get ready, said Hannah Chandler-Cooley, lead meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Portland.
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“People should take precautions such as securing any outdoor decorations, garbage bins, and be prepared for the potential for some localized power outages or tree damage,” she said.
Further south, two winter storms will bring snow and rain to Southern Oregon and northern California this week, just in time for holiday travel.
California’s Siskiyou County will get the brunt of the storms, particularly at higher elevations, starting Tuesday and lasting through Friday.
Heavy snow is expected on mountain passes over 4,500 feet, and some snow could fall on Interstate 5 in the area around California’s Mount Shasta on Friday as the snow level drops, according to the forecast.
Portland General Electric urged residents to prepare an outage plan and get emergency kits ready in case the power goes out. The utility company is also warning people of potential weather hazards like downed power lines.
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“You should always assume they are alive,” John Farmer, a spokesperson with PGE, said. “You should never go near them. Don’t touch them. Don’t use a stick or a branch to move. Just stay away.”
Following the heavy rains that plummeted the region last week, the NWS also warns that soils across the state are still really saturated. That, combined with gusty winds, could knock over weakened trees and branches.
Mindy McCartt, a spokesperson with the Oregon Department of Transportation, says their crews are still working to clear up debris left behind by last week’s storms.
“Crews will continue cleanup from the previous storms while also preparing and staffing up for the next potential event,” she said. “If the storm hits as forecast, maintenance crews will be ready to respond as soon as conditions allow.”
McCartt says people who are planning to hit the road this holiday week should take extra precautions. She also recommends checking road conditions before heading out for possible closures or delays.
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No. 4 Texas Tech (12-1) vs. Oregon (12-1), Jan. 1 at 12 p.m. EST.
BetMGM College Football Odds Opening Line: Oregon by 1.5. Against the spread: Oregon 6-6, Texas Tech 12-1.
How to watch: ESPN
Key stats
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Oregon Offense
Overall: 468.9 yards per game (11th in FBS)
Passing: 251.8 yards per game (45th)
Rushing: 217.1 yards per game (13th)
Scoring: 39.2 points per game (9th)
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Oregon Defense
Overall: 271.4 yards per game (8th in FBS)
Passing: 158.1 yards per game (6th)
Rushing: 113.3 yards per game (24th)
Scoring: 16.3 points per game (10th)
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Texas Tech Offense
Overall: 480.3 yards per game (5th in FBS)
Passing: 289.4 yards per game (11th)
Rushing: 190.9 yards per game (26th)
Scoring: 42.5 points per game (2nd)
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Texas Tech Defense
Overall: 254.5 yards per game (3rd in FBS)
Passing: 186 yards per game (24th)
Rushing: 68.5 yards per game (1st)
Scoring: 10.9 points per game (3rd)
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Both teams perform well on third down. Oregon ranks 14th in the FBS, converting 48.4% of the time. Texas Tech ranks 6th, converting 51%.
Texas Tech leads the FBS with a +17 turnover margin.
Oregon is 122nd in FBS in red zone defense, allowing opponents to score on 90% of trips. Texas Tech’s red zone offense ranks 47th, scoring on 87.7% of red zone opportunities.
Rushing: Cameron Dickey, 1,097 yards on 198 carries, 14 TDs
Receiving: Caleb Douglas, 845 yards on 55 catches, 7 TDs
Last game
Oregon beat James Madison 51-34 on Saturday, Dec. 20. Moore led Oregon with 313 yards on 19-of-27 passing (70.4%) for four touchdowns and two interceptions. He also carried the ball one time for 5 yards and one rushing touchdown. Jordon Davison had 90 rushing yards on 10 carries. Benson put up 119 yards on five catches with two touchdowns.
Texas Tech won 34-7 over BYU on Saturday, Dec. 6. Morton threw for 215 yards on 20-of-33 attempts (60.6%) with two touchdowns and no interceptions. J’Koby Williams carried the ball 15 times for 80 yards, adding one reception for -2 yards. Reginald Virgil recorded 86 yards on eight catches.
Over the first few weeks of the college basketball season, not many Gonzaga fans were looking at a Dec. 21 matchup between the Bulldogs and Oregon as being one of the Zags’ toughest games on their nonconference schedule, considering the caliber of some of the other power conference teams scattered on the docket throughout November and December.
Nonetheless, Nate Bittle and the Ducks made sure to give general followers of the sport a fun matchup to watch going into the holiday break.
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The Ducks (6-6) didn’t make things easy for the Zags (12-1), who managed to come away from the Moda Center on Sunday with their smallest margin of victory in nonleague play, a 91-82 win, thanks in large part to Braeden Smith’s masterful performance in the second half.
With Graham Ike bottled up for most of the night and Braden Huff dealing with foul trouble, Gonzaga’s backup point guard stepped up when it mattered most to steer the Zags toward their eighth win over a power conference team this season.
Smith, who played extra minutes due to an ill Mario Saint-Supéry, got under the Ducks’ skin just when it looked as if Gonzaga’s lead was in jeopardy of switching hands. The former Patriot League Player of the Year at Colgate finished with 21 points, 16 of which came after halftime, and dished out seven assists without committing a turnover in 27 minutes of action off the bench. He accounted for 13 consecutive points during a pivotal stretch in the second half that saw Gonzaga’s lead swell to 15 after Smith dished to Steele Venters for a crucial 3-pointer.
With the win, Gonzaga finished nonconference play with six wins combined over the SEC and Big Ten — five of which were considered Quad 1 or 2 games — and eight wins over top 100-rated KenPom teams (Oregon was No. 74, third-lowest ahead of No. 78 Arizona State and No. 100 Maryland). The Zags won all those games by double-digit margins, making Sunday’s victory over the Ducks their first of the season by fewer than 10 points.
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Here’s what Mark Few had to say about Smith’s performance, and more, after the game.
On the pro-Gonzaga crowd in attendance
“We have a great following, and I really, really, really appreciate everybody that showed up today. I mean, that was the plan when Dana [Altman] and I set this thing up. I gotta be honest with you, I thought, we’d have more Zag nation than we had. We usually draw like crazy wherever we go, and especially in the Northwest.”
“So, little disappointed in that, but I was so happy for everybody that did show, and then the teams put on a great show. Quite frankly, those were two high level teams going at it.”
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On Braeden Smith and Mario Saint-Supéry
Gonzaga’s Braeden Smith, center, celebrate the Bulldogs’ victory over Oregon in the Northwest Elite Showdown at the Moda Center in Portland Dec. 21, 2025. | Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard/USA TODAY NETWORK
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“Braeden was exceptional tonight. Mario’s had the flu — I don’t know what the heck’s going on, but he hasn’t been able to practice this whole week. And he even woke up feeling not as good as we thought he was going to be today. So we tried him a little bit, and God bless him, he couldn’t really function too well out there. So, we leaned on B Smith hard, and he responded big time. He saved us and was huge key to the game.”
On Gonzaga’s success in nonconference play
“I’ve been doing 27 years of this stuff, and we’ve always tried to schedule difficult. Especially this last — I don’t know, 10 years or 12 years; we’ve been trying to schedule to be a number one seed in a [nonconference play]. And I think — I’m sure somebody will dispute this with ‘analytics’ — but I think it’s the best run we’ve had in the nonconference.”
“I mean, literally, with who we’ve played, where we’ve played, how the games have stacked up; it just felt like that, and that’s not taking anything away — I mean, we’ve had teams go undefeated, as you know, to the very, very end of the season. But sometimes we weren’t able to play the type of schedule we played. The COVID year we certainly weren’t, and I can’t, off the top of my head, remember how we did in ’17 or ’19, but certainly not as good as we’ve done in the nonconference. Super proud of these guys.”
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On Oregon center Nate Bittle
Gonzaga’s Emmanuel Innocenti, left, forces a jump-ball turnover against Oregon’s Nate Bittle during the second half of the Northwest Elite Showdown at the Moda Center in Portland Dec. 21, 2025. | Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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“We recruited Nate. He comes from a great family and he had a great high school career. It’s great to see him healthy. And then I think when you see him healthy, you can see how skilled he is. And I think when you play him, you forget how big he is.
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“And listen, there are a lot of guys in college basketball that are [playing more than four seasons]. He’s not the only one, and they’ve taken advantage of it, and good for them. And until we can get some organization and some rules around this thing, I think we’ll continue to see that.”
On whether the Zags have room for growth
“There’s always [another level to reach]. We’re not even halfway through our season. The teams that continue to get better — I’ve said this every year, you got to continue to get better. Those are the ones that will win and advance in the NCAA Tournament. Teams that get stuck with how they’re playing in late December, it’s not going to happen. So, we have to stay on that growth plane.”
