On Senior Day, the top-ranked Oregon Ducks are set to conclude their regular season with a showdown against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium this Saturday. Head coach Dan Lanning’s team is currently riding a remarkable 14-game home winning streak, a record that began in November 2022.
The Ducks head into this matchup with an impressive 11-0 record. They narrowly escaped their last game, securing a 16-13 victory over Wisconsin, courtesy of 10 points scored in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Washington, now standing at 6-5, earned bowl eligibility with a solid 31-19 win against UCLA. However, their away game performances have been troubling, as they have yet to claim a victory in four away games this season.
Washington enters as 19.5-point underdogs, facing a significant challenge against the Ducks, who are fully focused on locking in a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The betting preview shows that Oregon is favored, with the latest odds indicating they are a 20-point favorite. The point total for the game has experienced a drastic drop, opening at 62.5 but now sitting around 50.5. This significant adjustment suggests that expectations of scoring may have been tempered.
According to the College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter, Washington has a 6.6% chance of defeating the Ducks. If this prediction holds true, the Huskies would finish the 2024 regular season with a 6-6 record. This would represent a considerable decline in performance under new coach Jedd Fisch, in contrast to the 25 wins in the previous two seasons under Kalen DeBoer. Nonetheless, Fisch is viewed as someone capable of rebuilding Washington into a competitive force.
On the other hand, Oregon boasts a commanding 93.4% chance of winning. Should these odds be accurate, the Ducks would finish the regular season undefeated, clinching the No. 1 seed in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Lanning is on track for his third consecutive season with at least ten wins.
The outlook for the game indicates that Washington’s challenging task will only get tougher as they struggle against a potent Oregon offense. The Ducks’ powerhouse unit is anchored by quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who has amassed 28 total touchdowns this season despite a less stellar performance against Wisconsin. Complementing him is running back Jordan James, who has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards.
Oregon’s objectives are clear: win, stay healthy, and prepare for the Big Ten Football Championship Game. The Ducks will aim to finish the regular season on a high note, and expectations are high that they won’t let up on Saturday.
Prediction: Oregon is expected to secure a significant win, potentially with a score of 38-13 against Washington.
This matchup not only marks a pivotal moment for both teams but also serves as a showcase of Oregon’s impressive journey this season, highlighting their resilience and determination. Fans can look forward to an exciting game as the Ducks look to solidify their championship aspirations and Washington aims to find momentum for the future.