No. 8 Oregon is gearing up for its first match against Rutgers as it seeks to bounce back from its recent loss this season. The game, which will take place at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey, marks an important moment in Oregon’s transition to the Big Ten, with the Ducks traveling the farthest east since joining the conference last year. This will also be their second trip to the Eastern Time Zone in just three games, following a gripping double-overtime win against Penn State in their last road outing.
Under head coach Dan Lanning, Oregon has a strong track record of bouncing back after defeats, having never lost consecutive games. Lanning is 6-0 in bounce-back situations, which poses a significant challenge for Rutgers, who last defeated a top-25 team in 2009. A win for Rutgers would not only mark a historic upset but also snap a three-game losing streak, while giving head coach Greg Schiano his first Big Ten victory of the season.
Oregon faces some challenges leading up to this game after an uncharacteristic performance in Week 7, where the offensive line surprisingly allowed six sacks—a stark contrast to the one sack given up in their previous five games. The running back committee was also stifled, accumulating only 103 yards, which was compounded by quarterback Dante Moore’s yardage loss due to sacks.
However, Oregon boasts a remarkable run on the road, having won nine consecutive away games, the longest active streak in college football, far surpassing Baylor’s five. This game against Rutgers will test their resilience against an Eastern opponent, but the Ducks have adjusted well to Big Ten demands so far.
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, nicknamed “The Greek Rifle,” is having a standout season, ranking as one of the most productive passers in college football with an impressive average of 297.5 yards per game. He has showcased consistency, including a notable 330-yard performance against a tight Iowa defense.
Both Oregon and Rutgers have demonstrated impressive ball security, with each team among the few in the FBS without a lost fumble this season. Staying turnover-free will be crucial for Rutgers if they hope to achieve an upset; they have a strong record of 20-2 in games without turnovers since 2020.
Considering the dominance of Oregon in past matchups against weaker opponents and their ability to recover quickly, the Ducks are favored to prevail without much resistance. Predictions suggest a decisive win for Oregon, potentially covering a spread of 17.5 points. This matchup promises to be pivotal for both teams, with Oregon looking to solidify its standing and Rutgers aiming to make a stunning statement.