The Oregon Ducks have two games left on their regular-season schedule, and the Ducks are in position to finish the 2024 season undefeated. The biggest road block between Oregon and their 12-0 aspirations is Wisconsin, its next opponent.
This Saturday afternoon, the Ducks will take on the Badgers in Camp Randall Stadium, one of the most hostile road environments in the Big Ten. The Badgers are 5-4 this season, but among the teams on Oregon’s 2024 schedule, Wisconsin is in the upper echelon.
Despite the tricky road environment, Oregon shouldn’t have much trouble with Wisconsin — as long as it executes. I’ve listed my three keys to a Ducks victory below, but the biggest thing for Oregon is each player doing his job with consistency. Under Dan Lanning, that’s something the Ducks seldom struggle with.
Run the ball
A big reason Wisconsin is 5-4 is its elite pass defense. Led by cornerback Ricardo Hallman, the Badgers are allowing just 158.9 passing yards per game — the third-fewest in the Big Ten. In contrast, Wisconsin has not done a good job slowing the run this season, allowing 164.6 yards per game on the ground — the second-most in the conference. Oregon has one of the top offenses in the country because it runs and passes well, but against Wisconsin, when they’ll be without star wide receiver Tez Johnson, running the ball should be a focus.
Front-seven solidity
Oregon’s defense had a poor performance against Maryland’s passing attack, last week, but this week, the defensive focus will need to be against the run. Wisconsin has a top five rushing offense in the Big Ten, but Oregon’s run defense has been good since the Boise State game. If the Ducks defenders, particularly the front seven, can do their jobs once again this week, Oregon will be in good shape defensively.
Win the turnover battle
This has been a key for Oregon all season when playing teams not quite up to there skill level. The easiest way to lose games like these is by giving the opponent extra possessions through turnovers. If Dillon Gabriel is smart with the football, as he’s been for much of the year, and the Ducks skill players are sure-handed, Oregon has nothing to worry about. And if the Ducks grab a takeaway or two themselves, that’s a ticket to victory.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]