The Big Ten football schedule stops for no one. After a much-needed rivalry win over the Michigan State Spartans, the 5-3 Michigan Wolverines host the No. 1 team in the country in the Oregon Ducks, who are legit national title contenders.

It has been tumultuous season on the field for Michigan, but pulling off an upset against one of the best teams in the country could certainly help Michigan fans forget some of those struggles.

Here are three keys to victory against the Ducks.

Avoid chunk plays in the passing game

Airing out the ball is a huge part of Oregon’s offense, with Heisman candidate Dillon Gabriel entering Week 10 ranked eighth in the country in total passing yards (2,371). In press conferences this week, Michigan’s secondary spoke highly of Oregon’s receiving core, with Tez Johnson, Traeshon Holden and Evan Stewart combining for 1,397 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 113 catches this year.

“We just want to make sure to limit the explosive plays and try to turn the ball over to give it back to our offense. That’s a key focus for us, especially for this game coming up,” cornerback Aamir Hall said. “They have very fast guys that like to get into space and just make plays using their speed and quickness. Them coming into the Big House will be exciting.”

Big plays are the easiest way for teams to gain momentum and crush the spirits of an underdog. It’s a tall task — especially if Will Johnson isn’t healthy — but Michigan has to do its best to limit Oregon’s passing attack.

Feed Colston Loveland again and again

On the other side of the ball, it’s going to be crucial for Michigan to keep utilizing future NFL tight end Colston Loveland. After the offense had been pathetic most of the season, offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell called his best game of the year against MSU. Loveland played a big role in that, racking up 67 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Loveland is likely one of the names towards the top of Oregon’s scouting report, so Michigan will have to be creative when it comes to getting him the ball. The Wolverines need to use the run game to set him up in the passing game. Loveland being able to pick up a few chunk plays increases Michigan’s upset chances immensely.

Michigan cannot turn the ball over

As it has for the Wolverines all season long, the turnover margin is going to play a big factor. Oregon is far ahead of them in that category this season (+3 vs -6). The easiest way to turn a potential upset into a blowout is by turning the ball over, just ask Navy after turning the ball over six times in a 51-14 loss to Notre Dame last week.

Michigan did a great job taking care of the ball a week ago. Quarterback Davis Warren wasn’t a star by any means, but he did just enough to help lead Michigan to victory. I am not so sure that victory happens if he throws a pick or two.

As Jared Stormer and Andrew Bailey pointed out on Out of the Blue this week, the Wolverines have to win the turnover battle to win this game, and they probably have to win it by two takeaways or more. A few second-half picks by Gabriel can certainly swing things.

What else does Michigan have to do to pull off this upset? Let us know in the comments.

Michigan Wolverines star cornerback Will Johnson’s status for the Oregon Ducks matchup has been up in the air for the past couple of weeks, but all signs now point to him not playing on Saturday, Nov. 2, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS and 247 Sports. This will be his third consecutive
Big Ten Conference game on the sidelines for the Wolverines.

Johnson left Michigan’s 27-24 win against USC on Sept. 21 with a shoulder injury and sat out the following week against Minnesota. He also underwent knee surgery in the offseason before the 2023 season, which forced him to miss the Wolverines’ first three games.

Johnson suffered a more recent foot injury during the first half of the 21-17 road loss at Illinois on Oct. 19 this season. Oregon’s coach Dan Lanning realizes how much of an impact this loss has for the Michigan defense.

“He’s a great player. He has ball production. He gets in and out of breaks. He’s able to take away a side of the field. So he’s definitely a guy that would make an impact.”

– Oregon coach Dan Lanning

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Johnson’s put together 14 total tackles, three pass deflections and two interceptions on the defensive end during his junior season. He has also returned two punt returns for touchdowns in five games played for the Wolverines.

During Michigan’s College Football Playoff title run last season, Johnson finished with 27 tackles, four pass deflections, four interceptions as well as one punt return to the house in his sophomore campaign.

“Will has no plan of just shutting it down or anything like that. Will, if he could go out there, he would go out there in a heartbeat. And, I know that he’ll be back out there at some point this season, whether it’s this week, next week, or whatever it is. And there’s zero doubt in my mind that he, the competitor that wants to be out there with his teammates, so I know he’ll be back.”

– Michigan coach Sherrone Moore

When healthy, Johnson has been impactful throughout his entire career for the Wolverines. He’s considered one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL draft due to his natural ball skills and playmaking instincts in the secondary.

Michigan will have a tough time against Heisman-hopeful quarterback Dillon Gabriel and the Oregon passing attack without Johnson. His versatility in both man and zone coverage schemes would make a difference for the Wolverines (5-3, 3-2) against the No. 1 Ducks (8-0, 5-0) who will kick-off at the “Big House” at 12:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, Nov. 2.

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While winter doesn’t officially start until Dec. 21, Oregon has already begun to see snow and cooler temperatures, which means it’s not too early to get studded tires and chains.

Here’s when you can get studded tires, when you might need them and where to get them.

When are studded tires legal in Oregon?

In Oregon, it’s legal to replace regular traction tires with studded tires from Nov. 1 through March 31.

Studded tires consist of metal studs rooted throughout the tread of the tire that give drivers better traction by digging into packed snow and ice, making for safer driving in winter conditions. For areas of Oregon such as central, eastern and mountain passes that typically see ice and heavy snowfall each year, studded tires and chains are sometimes required.

All highways throughout the state are subject to Oregon’s chain law. In normal winter weather, vehicles rated at 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less are allowed to use traction tires in place of chains as long as they’re not towing or being towed, according to Oregon Department of Transportation.

However, in certain road conditions, studded tires may not be enough.

When does Oregon require chains or studded tires?

When going through particularly bad road conditions, drivers may encounter conditional road closures where they will see brightly lit electronic messages letting them know whether chains are required, or if traction tires are enough.

To find out beforehand whether Oregon roads are experiencing any closures, travelers can go to the TripCheck website and view current statewide road conditions.

Should you use studded tires in Oregon?

Due to the impact studded tires have on pavement, the Oregon Department of Transportation advises drivers that studded tires should only be used when necessary.

Research has been conducted on the type of damage studded tires does to roadways, including how the use of studs “can shorten the asphalt surface life of pavements,” according to a report by the ODOT Research Unit.

ODOT recommended that drivers delay using studded tires or even looking into other traction tire options.

In place of studs, all-weather or high-performance tires provide wider tracts, deeper grooves and uneven surfaces to provides better traction for drivers in any road conditions.

Where can drivers purchase studded tires in Oregon?

As the colder months approach, chains, studded tires and other traction tires can be purchased at tire retailers like Les Schwab, Discount Tire and local tire retailers around Oregon.

Costs for studding and purchasing studdable tires will vary depending on the type of vehicle you have.

Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.