The Oregon Ducks are gearing up for a highly anticipated matchup against the Washington Huskies on November 30, with early betting odds favoring Oregon by 20 points. After a tough 16-13 win over Wisconsin, the Ducks remain undefeated, entering their regular-season finale with a perfect record. Oregon is currently ranked No. 1 in the nation, a position they’ve held for five consecutive weeks, and they are poised to make a statement in the rivalry game against Washington.
Oregon’s offense, one of the most potent in college football, is led by Heisman hopeful Dillon Gabriel, who has been a key factor in the Ducks’ success. Gabriel recently made NCAA history by breaking the all-time record for total touchdowns during a 39-18 victory over Maryland. His dual-threat ability—making plays both through the air and on the ground—has been a cornerstone of the Ducks’ high-powered attack. This, combined with their aggressive defense, has made Oregon a dominant force this season.
However, the game holds extra significance for head coach Dan Lanning and his team, as the Ducks have yet to defeat Washington under his leadership. The Huskies have been a thorn in Oregon’s side, defeating the Ducks in two consecutive close matchups: a 34-31 win in 2022 at Autzen Stadium and a 36-33 victory in Seattle in 2023. The most painful of these losses came in the Pac-12 Championship, where Washington dashed Oregon’s national title hopes with a crushing 34-31 defeat. Lanning’s comments after that loss reflected the frustration, acknowledging the team’s fight but recognizing the importance of starting strong against such a talented opponent.
The upcoming game offers Oregon a chance at redemption, especially with Washington entering the contest at 6-5. The Huskies have struggled under first-year coach Jedd Fisch, with losses to ranked teams such as No. 5 Indiana, No. 25 Washington State, and Penn State. Washington has also undergone significant changes, including the departure of head coach Kalen DeBoer to Alabama and the loss of star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to the NFL.
Both teams will have a week off to prepare, which provides Oregon with a critical opportunity to address issues like penalties that have plagued them in recent weeks. With players like defensive end Jordan Burch, wide receiver Tez Johnson, and offensive lineman Marcus Harper II battling injuries, the extra time to heal could give the Ducks a significant advantage heading into the game.
