EUGENE – The wait is finally over as the No. 3 Oregon Ducks and No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for a historic game. After an electrifying performance on ESPN College Gameday that left analysts divided on their picks for this matchup, it’s safe to say the projected winner is in contention.

This game has implications for the College Football Playoff, a potential No. 1 seed in the AP Top-25 Poll and an announcement to the Big Ten Conference as to which team is at the top.

There are currently 15 NFL scouts in the Oregon press box for this game, scouting the many NFL draft prospects from both the Ducks and Buckeyes. These NFL scouts represent 14 teams including the Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys and more.

The last time Oregon faced the Buckeyes in 2021, the Ducks won in the Horseshoe in a major upset 35-28.

Participation in this competition brings a number of positives and negatives for Oregon. On the bright side, Oregon had a strong performance in its running game against Michigan State last week. The offensive line, the most questionable factor in Oregon’s offense early in the season, had one of its best games of the season under center Iapani “Poncho” Lalolou. Running back Jordan James carried the Ducks against the Spartans with 166 yards and a touchdown on 24 attempts.

Additionally, Oregon’s defense shined against the Spartans, limiting them to two yards per rush. Teitum Tuioti, Jordan Burch, Derrick Harmon, Tysheem Johnson and Bryce Boettcher are all in top form and will be crucial for the Ducks against the Buckeyes.

However, Burch’s status for the game is currently “in question” as the defensive back left Thursday’s practice with a leg injury.

When it comes to Oregon’s weaknesses, one must look at their passing game. Against Michigan State, starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel had one of his worst games of the season. The transfer from Oklahoma had a 63 percent completion rate with two interceptions and has received four interceptions in the Ducks’ last two games. Gabriel’s difficulty executing in the red zone was a major problem as the Ducks were 4-6 on attempts in the red zone.

There’s also the issue of Oregon’s third down conversions. Oregon was 6-12 for attempting to convert third downs.

Overall, several minor errors prevented Oregon from completely defeating Michigan State. Oregon can’t have a half-baked game or make the little mistakes that were common in the passing game against the Spartans. Oregon’s best chance against an Ohio State that has outscored its opponents 230-34 this season is its running game, as most of its points against the Buckeyes this season come from rushing touchdowns. It is crucial for the Ducks to utilize a heavy ground game with short passes from Gabriel.

Also returning is former Oregon coach Chip Kelly, who is now Ohio State’s offensive coordinator. While working with Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Kelly has breathed new life into Ohio State’s running game with strong season performances from Quinshon Judkins and Treveyon Henderson.

Both teams are looking to make a big statement in a new Big Ten Conference, and Oregon’s team is the most talented team Ohio State has faced so far this season. Get ready for a close game.

The Oregon Ducks will be ready for the evening in their all-black “Fly Era” jerseys. Inspired by the decade of Duck jerseys and the athletes before them, these uniforms are an ode to the culture of Oregon football with their steel panels and carbon fiber wings and other details.

“The diamond plate was inspired by a former player who liked the attitude of the heavy equipment and truck, and the wings were inspired in some ways by other players. That was a fun way – when we met with the Oregon players, we talked about, “Hey, we’d like to find a way to honor all of these amazing eras of Oregon football that led to where who we are today,” said Quinn Van Horne of Van Horne Brands.

See live results updates below. Oregon vs. Ohio State begins at 4:30 p.m. PT on NBC. The latest updates are above.

OREGON

QUESTIONABLE
1 Jordan Burch

OUT OF
2 Gary Bryant Jr.
6 Jahlil Florence
11 Dakoda fields
17 Kyler Kasper
31 Zach Grisham
74 DaveIuli
77 Matthew Bedford
93 My’Keil Gardner

OUT OF
28 TC Caffey (relay)