While the No. 1 Oregon Ducks are now guaranteed a rematch with Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game after the Buckeyes’ 38-15 trouncing of No. 5 Indiana on Saturday at the Horseshoe, there is one final regular season game the Ducks can’t overlook: Washington. Mr. FishDuck took some time from his fun at an online live casino, and checking on a live soccer score to share with me his strong feelings about our rivals to the north.
The rivalry between the Ducks and Huskies is one of the most storied in college football — an uncivil war — with a history dating back to their first meeting in 1900. Washington leads the series 63-48-5, underscoring their past dominance under legendary coach Don James and the program’s “shared” national championships in 1960 and ’91 (Ole Miss, Minnesota and Washington all claim the 1960 NCAA championship. In 1991, the coaches poll — USA Today, CNN — named the unbeaten Huskies national champs after defeating Michigan 34-14 in the Rose Bowl. However, the AP poll crowned the Miami Hurricanes, also undefeated, the national champion with a No. 1 ranking. Since then, both programs have claimed the title).
Over the past two decades, Oregon has owned a large chunk of the rivalry, winning 12 straight from 2004 to 2015. However, the last two meetings have been brutal for Oregon, reigniting the flames of hatred for the Dawgs in Eugene. In 2023, the Huskies handed Oregon two heartbreaking losses, both by a field goal, which kept Dan Lanning and company out of the College Football Playoff. Washington, riding an undefeated season, went on to play — and lose — in the national championship game against Michigan.
While Ducks fans shouldn’t stare into the abyss of defeat, surely no one can forget the emotional freefall immediately following those maddening losses. Next weekend, Lanning and the Ducks (11-0, 8-0) have an opportunity to correct the record and make a statement against Washington before entering the postseason. This game is everything for the Ducks and arguably more important than winning a rematch with the Buckeyes.
There’s nothing Oregon fans want more than for the Ducks to pummel the Dawgs and hand the program a loss so devastating and decisive that it consumes Huskies fans in an atmospheric river of anguish.
Washington fans should prepare for the worst day of their lives next weekend. Photo by by Truong Nguyen
Under first-year visored grifter Jedd Fisch, the lowly Dawgs (6-5, 4-4) aren’t the same team as last year’s title contender. Not even close. The squad is barely bowl eligible. In college football, however, a ranking or record doesn’t matter. In November, chaos is the only guarantee.
Need proof? On Saturday, unranked Florida and Oklahoma teams walloped No. 9 Ole Miss and No. 7 Alabama, respectively, choking the life out of both teams’ playoff hopes. Think Washington has something similar in mind for the Ducks on Nov. 23? You bet.
Fisch, desperate for an edge against Oregon, is already plotting and scheming to sully the Ducks’ historic season. In a recent press conference, the dime store Chip Kelly refused to announce who Washington’s starting quarterback will be against Oregon. Okay, weirdo.
For most of their unsuccessful season, Will Rogers has taken the snaps. During Washington’s loss to Penn State earlier this month, Rogers was benched after halftime and replaced by freshman quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who replaced Rogers again in the second half of the Huskies’ win over UCLA the following week. Nevermind Fisch playing coy, just don’t be surprised if Williams plays under center against the Ducks.
By the Numbers:
This year is a special one for Oregon, but the Huskies would like to fart on our parade. Here’s how the two teams match up by the numbers so far this season.
Scoring and Offense: The Ducks’ explosive offense averages 33.91 points per game compared to Washington’s 22.64. Oregon also leads in total yards per game, posting 447.6 yards to Washington’s 396.4. Oregon’s edge is most evident in touchdowns, with 47 scored this season compared to Washington’s 29.
Rushing Dominance: On the ground, Oregon has been more productive, averaging 166.3 rushing yards per game versus Washington’s 139.4. The Ducks have also scored 22 rushing touchdowns, nearly doubling the Huskies’ 12.
After losing twice to Washington last year, the No. 1 Oregon Ducks have revenge on the brain as they face the Huskies in their regular season finale. Photo by by Truong Nguyen
Passing Superiority: Oregon’s passing attack led by Dillon Gabriel outpaces Washington with 281.4 yards per game compared to 257. The Ducks’ quarterback has thrown 22 touchdowns and six interceptions, while Washington has 17 passing touchdowns with seven interceptions.
Defensive Strength: Defensively, Oregon has limited opponents to 287.5 total yards per game, far fewer than the 312.7 yards Washington allows. Oregon’s defense has been especially strong against the run, giving up just 118.7 rushing yards per game compared to Washington’s 152.3. The Ducks have also forced 10 interceptions, compared to eight by the Huskies.
Key Efficiency Metrics: Oregon leads in critical areas such as third-down conversions (48.57% vs. Washington’s 36.43%) and red-zone touchdowns (33 vs. 23). They also boast a better sack total, recording 29 to Washington’s 20, and have a stronger time of possession average (30:57 per game compared to Washington’s 30:00).
Special Teams and Penalties: The Ducks have shown flashes of brilliance in special teams, including game-saving punt and kickoff returns for touchdowns against the Boise State. Oregon has also been extremely consistent and clutch in tight spots largely thanks to solid kicking from Atticus Sappington, who most recently helped the Ducks survive a low-scoring rock fight against Wisconsin. Oregon is averaging 32 yards per kickoff return to Washington’s 21.68. Additionally, Oregon has committed fewer penalty yards per game (44.91) compared to Washington’s 54.91.
Next weekend’s matchup at Autzen Stadium promises to be electric, with revenge a key motivator for the Ducks, who are eager to reclaim dominance in the rivalry with Washington. This game is the most important one on the schedule. What do you think?
Share your thoughts about this team in the only free, “polite and respectful” Oregon Sports message board, the Our Beloved Ducks forum!
Related Articles:
Jordan is a lifelong Duck fan currently living in San Diego. Jordan graduated from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, after serving a prestigious fellowship with the Washington State House of Representatives. Upon graduation, he worked as an English language teaching assistant for the Spanish Ministry of Education’s Ambassadorial Program in Monforte de Lemos, Spain. Jordan has worked as a journalist, writer, and editor in Oregon, Washington, Montana, and California, covering a wide range of topics, including sports, local politics, and crime. He is VERY excited to be writing about his beloved Oregon Ducks.