Oregon Ducks vs. Oregon State Beavers football game preview: Can OSU pull off the upset?

A unique setting awaits when the No. 9 Oregon Ducks face their rivals Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

• If you don’t have cable, you can watch Oregon vs. Oregon State live for free with Fubo (free trial) or with DirecTV Stream (free trial).

The Ducks, who were filled with national expectations in their first season in the Big Ten, disappointed in the first two weeks with narrow wins over Idaho and Boise State. The Beavers are 2-0 with wins over Idaho State and San Diego State and are taking a victory lap after helping to revive the Pac-12, which Oregon left behind.

No. 9 Oregon (2-0) at Oregon State (2-0)

When: Saturday, September 14

Time: 12:30pm PT

Where: Reser Stadium, Corvallis

Trainer: Dan Lanning, third year (24-5) vs. Trent Bray, first year (2-0)

Latest line: Oregon at 16.5 (odds via FanDuel)

TV channels: FOX (KPTV 12 in Portland)

On air (Ducks): Radio on 1080 “The Fan” in Portland, KUJZ 95.3 in Eugene

On air (Beavers): Radio 620 and 1190 in Portland, KEJO 1240 in Corvallis

Electricity: Fubo (free trial) or DirecTV Stream (free trial). If you already have a provider, you can also watch this game live on FOX Sports Live using your cable or satellite provider’s login information.

Oregon Uniform Combination: Green helmet, white jerseys, green pants.

Oregon State Uniform Combination: Black helmet, black jersey, black pants

What is at stake: Boasting unprecedented fundamentals. The Ducks have national championship aspirations and want to tear down their rivals to prove their point, while the Beavers want a little revenge on one of the teams that put the Pac-12 and its athletic program in a precarious position. Oregon will also be highly motivated, as several players on this roster were part of the 2022 team that lost in Corvallis. And the Ducks are looking for a lopsided win to appease outside critics and regain some confidence after a shaky start.

Oregon’s attack against Oregon State defense

The Ducks’ productivity on offense comes from their ability to play blocks and protect quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Oregon admits its offensive line play hasn’t been up to standard the first two weeks, and rotated a number of players on the interior against Boise State. But when this Oregon offense is running and Gabriel has time to throw, their ability to make big plays is undeniable. The weapons are all over the field. It’s about creating the space to use them and establishing the run first with Jordan James and Noah Whittington.

Oregon State has a rush defense that allows just 77 yards per game, good for 26th in the country. So if the Beavers fill in the gaps and contain James and company on the ground, it will be up to Gabriel to find his talented receivers. The question is, will he have time?

Oregon defense vs. Oregon State offense

Oregon was punished for 192 yards and three touchdowns by Heisman Trophy hopeful Ashton Jeanty last week. Much of that was due to Jeanty’s individual strength, but the Ducks remain unhappy with allowing big running plays. Aside from those big runs, though, Oregon was strong up the middle for most of the game. That’s easy to say.

The Ducks defended the pass well against Boise State, too, aside from a few lapses in the intermediate areas. They lead the FBS in passes defended. Transfer defensive backs Brandon Johnson and Jabbar Muhammad shined, and the Broncos relied heavily on Jeanty. Definitely not a bad guy to rely on.