The Big Ten era is here.
No. 3 Oregon football returns to the field on Saturday for a season-opening matchup with the Idaho Vandals — the first game for the Ducks as members of the Big Ten Conference. It projects as a low-pressure moment for an Oregon team steeped in conference and national expectations, and an opportunity for Dan Lanning and company to get an extended look at the depth they’ve assembled on this roster.
Idaho comes in as heavy underdogs (+44.5), but the FCS playoff participant Vandals aim to show competitive flashes against one of the best teams in FBS. And there are several local high school products on Idaho’s roster likely living out a dream of playing in Autzen Stadium.
No. 3 Oregon Ducks vs. Idaho Vandals
When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31
Where: Autzen Stadium (Eugene, OR)
Coaches: Dan Lanning, third year (22-5); Jason Eck, third year (16-9)
Latest line: Oregon by 44.5 (Odds via FanDuel)
TV channel: Big Ten Network (blacked out for Comcast/Xfinity customers due to ongoing carriage dispute)
On air: Radio on 1080 “The Fan” in Portland, KUJZ 95.3 in Eugene
How to watch live stream online: Amid a blackout on Comcast/Xfinity, fans can stream Oregon vs. Idaho football for free with Fubo (free trial) or with DirecTV Stream (free trial), among several other streaming options.
Oregon uniform combination: “Gang Green” with a slight twist: green helmet with yellow “O” logo and yellow facemask, green jersey, green pants.
What’s at stake: Oregon leads the all-time series, 52-3-4. For Idaho, pride is on the line. For Oregon, it’s about working out the kinks of fall camp prior to the Boise State game, and likely running up the score in the process.
Oregon offense vs. Idaho defense
Oregon’s high-powered offense is led by senior quarterback and preseason Heisman favorite Dillon Gabriel. Boasting one of the best receiver groups in the country, the Ducks will have Evan Stewart, Tez Johnson, Traeshon Holden and Gary Bryant Jr. out wide for Gabriel to throw to this season. They should all feast against Idaho.
Bryant is questionable to play due to injury, but the depth doesn’t end with him: youngsters Kyler Kasper, Justius Lowe and Jurrion Dickey will see the field plenty against the Vandals, especially after Gabriel’s day is done and backup quarterbacks Dante Moore and Austin Novosad take the reins.
In the backfield, juniors Jordan James and Noah Whittington will lead the way for the Ducks, supplemented by Jayden Limar and Jay Harris.
Oregon’s offensive line composition is the biggest question heading into Saturday, but it shouldn’t matter much against this level of opponent. With guard Matthew Bedford unlikely to play this week, walk-on Charlie Pickard could get the nod at center with Iapani Laloulu scooting over to the guard spot.
Whoever is on the field for Oregon — first team or second — it projects to be a long day for Idaho at every level of its defense. The Vandals will be hoping Oregon makes plenty of unforced errors.
Oregon defense vs. Idaho offense
Oregon’s defense is loaded with veteran experience, from a program mainstay in linebacker Jeffrey Bassa to Washington transfer defensive back Jabbar Muhammad. The Ducks are physical, fast and fearsome in ways Idaho simply will not see for the remainder of its 2024 schedule.
A retooled secondary and interior defensive line — both bolstered in the transfer portal — will be the areas to watch as this unit builds chemistry early in the season.
The talent, size and athleticism gap is undeniable. And it makes for a potentially punishing day for Idaho in the trenches and in space. Former Lake Oswego quarterback Jack Layne is starting for the Vandals, and a stressful homecoming (at least between the lines) is likely, even with an experienced offensive line in front of him.
Matchup to watch: Oregon’s special teams unit vs. Abraham Williams
The kicking and kickoff coverage games have been major points of emphasis for the Ducks this fall, and by far the biggest test this team will face on Saturday will be in that phase. Williams — a cornerback — is a preseason FCS All-American as a kick returner.
Williams has 1,433 career return yards and five touchdowns — all of which were returned from inside the end zone. This is one area in which focus and execution will need to be strong for Oregon to avoid a drastic error.
What Dan Lanning said: “They’ve got some good skill players. They have some guys on their team that are from Oregon, and I think it’ll mean a lot to them to get the opportunity to play here at Autzen. But ultimately, a lot of movements and shifts. I think those are always a challenge when you’re playing teams like that.”
Key stat: Oregon would extend its nation-leading home win streak against nonconference opponents to 33 with a win on Saturday.
Prediction: Oregon 62, Idaho 10.
-- Ryan Clarke covers the Oregon Ducks and Big Ten Conference for The Oregonian and co-hosts the Ducks Confidential podcast. He can be reached at rclarke@oregonian.com or @RyanTClarke.
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