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Oregon Ducks vs Northwestern Wildcats Picks and Predictions
The Oregon Ducks enter their first Big Ten road game ranked No. 4 and riding an explosive offense that has already piled up 128 points in two weeks. Their opponent, the Northwestern Wildcats, are rebuilding under David Braun and now must adjust without their starting running back, Cam Porter, who is out for the season with a leg injury.
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Oregon: Full-Throttle Offense
The Ducks have shown no signs of slowing down after losing key players from last year’s playoff team. Quarterback Dante Moore, a UCLA transfer, has thrown six touchdowns with no interceptions while leading an offense that has surpassed 1,100 total yards. Oregon’s balance has been impressive, as the Ducks are one of only two FBS programs with at least 310 yards passing and rushing in a game this year.
Defensively, Oregon ranks tied for 10th nationally in scoring defense at just 8.0 points allowed per game. They’ve yet to allow a sack and have given up only three tackles for loss, keeping Moore well protected in the pocket.
Oregon Snapshot
| Category | Stat | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 2-0 | Wins vs Montana St, Oklahoma St |
| QB Dante Moore | 6 TD, 0 INT | 2 straight 3-TD games |
| Points Scored | 128 | 3rd in FBS |
| Points Allowed | 8.0 per game | Top 10 nationally |
Northwestern: Adjusting Without Porter
Northwestern began the year with a road loss to Tulane before bouncing back at home against Western Illinois. However, the victory came at a cost, as leading rusher Cam Porter was lost for the season due to a leg injury. Porter’s leadership and production (137 yards this season, 1,900+ career yards) will be difficult to replace.
Caleb Komolafe is expected to step into the starting role after rushing for 63 yards on 11 carries last week. The Wildcats will also look to lean on their defense to slow down Oregon’s explosive attack. Playing in their temporary Lakefront Stadium, which holds just over 12,000, Northwestern will rely on energy and discipline to keep the game close.
Northwestern Snapshot
| Category | Stat | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 1-1 | Loss vs Tulane, win vs WIU |
| RB Cam Porter | Out for season | 1,900+ career rush yds |
| RB Caleb Komolafe | 63 yds vs WIU | Next man up |
| Venue | Lakefront Stadium | 12,000 capacity |
Key Matchups to Watch
The duel between Oregon’s offensive line and Northwestern’s front seven will be critical. The Ducks’ unit has yet to allow a sack, while the Wildcats will need to generate pressure to disrupt Moore’s rhythm. On the ground, Northwestern’s new-look backfield faces an Oregon defense that thrives on stuffing the run and forcing teams into obvious passing situations.
Another factor is the 11 a.m. local kickoff, which could test Oregon’s ability to start fast away from Autzen Stadium. Coach Dan Lanning noted his team practices in the mornings, suggesting the Ducks should be prepared for the early start.
Series History and Context
This is the first conference meeting between Oregon and Northwestern, and the first matchup overall since 1974 when the Wildcats won 14-10. The Ducks have dominated unranked opponents, winning 32 straight. The Wildcats, meanwhile, are seeking their first win over a top-5 team since 2020.
Picks and Predictions
Oregon enters as a heavy favorite, boasting one of the nation’s most explosive offenses and a defense that has been nearly airtight through two games. Northwestern’s loss of Porter makes the challenge even steeper, as the Wildcats will struggle to sustain drives without their top back.
Projection: Oregon 45, Northwestern 13. Expect the Ducks to cover comfortably while showing their balance on both sides of the ball. Bettors can track updated college football odds and expert plays at the NCAAF picks page. For deeper wagering insights, check the Expert NFL Betting Guide.
