Around CFB: Autzen hosts its first marquee Big Ten clash on Saturday
Eugene, OR, is located approximately 140 miles northwest of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States.
Visitors can attest Crater Lake is indeed an amazing lake. It is not, however, a great lake.
That’s why — geographically — Oregon does not belong in the Big Ten, the collegiate athletic conference primarily comprised of universities in Great Lakes states.
But the third-ranked Ducks aim to prove they belong competitively when they face No. 2 Ohio State — the Big Ten’s preeminent bully — in the country’s highest-profile college football game of the week.
Oregon and Ohio State have squared off 10 times before. The Buckeyes have won nine of those games, including the 2014 national championship in which they plucked the Ducks, 42-20.
Obviously, Saturday’s clash — their first as conference foes — won’t decide a national championship. But it will decide which team has the inside track to the Big Ten to Indianapolis, IN (a Great Lakes state) for the Big Ten Championship Game.
If nothing else, it’s likely the biggest game in the history of Oregon’s Autzen Stadium. Isn’t it?
“I certainly can’t speak to the entire history of Oregon,” third-year Oregon coach Dan Lanning said in his weekly press conference. “I think this is a really big game. It’s a great opportunity for two great teams to play against each other. That’s why you come to a place like this, but I think this will be an awesome atmosphere for our fans and, certainly, our players.”
It’s certainly a great opportunity for Oregon players to prove they measure up.
Although the Ducks are unbeaten, they aren’t without questions. Their only win over a ranked opponent is a 37-34 over No. 17 Boise State. The Ducks allowed 369 yards in that game and needed a punt return and kickoff return for touchdowns to clinch victory.
Ohio State, which has won each of its five games by at least 28 points, is unquestionably the most powerful opponent Oregon has seen.
The Buckeyes lead the nation in scoring defense and total defense. They’ve allowed just one play of 30 yards or more.
That may be foreboding for the Ducks, who rely heavily on big plays.
But Lanning likely is equally as concerned about the Ohio State offense, especially the running game. Running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson both average well over 7.0 yards per carry.
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty rushed for 192 yards and three touchdowns vs. Oregon. That begs the question of what could Judkins and Henderson do against Oregon while running behind a stronger offensive line than Boise’s?
Further, quarterback Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, has passed for 1,248 yards and 12 touchdowns.
“You can’t take away one thing knowing that something else is a strength as well,” Lanning said of the Buckeyes offense. “They’re not limited in what their strengths are. They’re able to run the ball really well. They’re able to throw it well.”
That should not be interpreted that Lanning is already looking for a towel to throw in.
Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, an Oklahoma transfer, is completing almost 80 percent of his passes. Running back Jordan James is third in the Big Ten in rushing. Wide-out Tez Johnson is seventh in receiving.
Though the defense was gashed by Boise State, the Ducks have not allowed more than 14 points to their other four opponents.
“I’m confident in our players,” Lanning said. “I like our team. I like the guys we get the opportunity to go out there and play with. I think our guys play competitive ball.
“This will certainly be the best challenge for every single position on our team this week.”
Heisman Watch (If my ballot was due today)
1. Cam Ward, Miami, QB: The resident of West Columbia, Texas, threw two touchdown passes and ran for another in the fourth quarter to rally the Hurricanes to a 39-38 victory over Cal. Ward passed for 437 yards in the win. He leads the nation with 2,219 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes. Ward has also 161 yards and three touchdowns.
2. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State, RB: The resident of Frisco, Texas, rushed for 186 yards and 13 carries and scored three touchdowns vs. Utah State last week. He did all that in the first half. In future games, Boise State coaches may have to let him play in the second half to enhance his Heisman campaign. As it is, Jeanty leads the nation with 1,031 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. He has rushed for 260 yards more than the next most productive runner. Jeanty averages nearly 11.0 yards per carry. He has eight runs of at least 50 yards. Four of them covered at least 70 yards.
3. Jalen Milroe, Alabama, QB: The resident of Katy, Texas, cannot be blamed for the Tide’s historic 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt. Though he did have a pick-six, MIlroe passed for 310 yards and a touchdown. He also had a rushing touchdown. Overall, Milroe is ranked 15th in the nation in total offense. He has passed for 1,274 yards and rushed for 283.
4. Dillon Gabriel, Oregon, QB: No, he’s not from Texas. Gabriel, who hails from Hawaii, passed for 257 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for a score in a 31-10 victory over Michigan State last week. He has passed for 1,449 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for three more scores to pace the undefeated Ducks.
5. Kyle McCord, Syracuse, QB: The transfer from Ohio State also isn’t from Texas. He’s from New Jersey, but he’s off to an excellent start for the 4-1 Orange. McCord has passed for at least 339 yards and multiple touchdowns in every game. Last week, he completed 40-of-63 attempts for 355 yards and three touchdowns in a victory over then-No. 25 UNLV. He averages 362.8 passing yards to rank second in the nation. He has thrown for 1,814 yards and 17 touchdowns, which is also the nation’s second-highest total.
Games to Watch
No. 2 Ohio State at No. 3 Oregon: The rankings say this is a clash between the best two teams in the Big Ten. Ohio State hasn’t really been challenged. That will change in Eugene.
No. 1 Texas vs. No. 18 Oklahoma: The Longhorns have been explosive. The Sooners … not so much. But anything can happen at Fair Park.
No. 9 Ole Miss at No. 13 LSU: The two most prolific passing attacks in the SEC are featured. This could end similar to last year when Ole Miss prevailed 55-49.
No. 18 Kansas State at Colorado: The visiting Wildcats (4-1, 1-1) already have one Big 12 conference loss. They cannot afford another. Colorado (4-1, 2-0) can show it is a conference championship contender.
Vanderbilt at Kentucky: Neither is ranked. Neither figures to be an SEC Championship contender. But both have pulled off huge upsets. Last week, Vanderbilt upset Alabama. Two weeks ago, Kentucky upset Ole Miss.
