Longtime rivals Oregon State and No. 9 Oregon meet as non-conference opponents

No. 9 Oregon (2-0) at Oregon State (2-0), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (FOX)

BetMGM College Football Odds: Oregon by 13 1/2.

Series record: Oregon leads 68-49-10.

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?

After two disappointing early-season wins, Oregon is looking to fill some gaps against its in-state rivals. Oregon State is also 2-0 as it embarks on an unusual season following the Pac-12’s disintegration. This is the 128th meeting between the two teams, the seventh-most contested rivalry nationally. Formerly known as the Civil War, the game has never been played in September. The Beavers have won the last two meetings in Corvallis. Oregon won last year’s game 31-7 in Eugene.

SECOND CONFLICT

Oregon’s offensive line has struggled and the Ducks rotated players a lot last week in a 37-34 win over Boise State. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel was sacked four times. The Beavers’ defense shut out San Diego State last weekend. Oregon State is allowing an average of 77 rushing yards to its opponents. Oregon has just 109 rushing yards against the Broncos.

Oregon running back Noah Whittington (6) runs with the ball to... — Oregon running back Noah Whittington (6) runs with the ball for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Boise State, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. Credits: AP/Lydia Ely

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel continues to put in a solid performance. The reported transfer from Oklahoma has thrown for 623 yards and four touchdowns. He ranks third nationally in completion percentage, going 59-of-70 so far.

Oregon State running backs Jam Griffin and Anthony Hankerson lead the Beavers’ rushing attack, which is averaging nearly 300 yards per game. Griffin is averaging 124.5 yards per game with three touchdowns, while Hankerson is averaging 113 yards and also has three touchdowns.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel warms up before an NCAA college game... — Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel warms up before an NCAA college football game against Boise State on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. Credits: AP/Lydia Ely

It’s the first time the two teams have met as nonconference opponents since 1963. The Ducks joined the Big Ten this year and the Beavers remained in what was left of the Pac-12, along with Washington State, after realignment last summer. … The Pac-12 announced Thursday that four Mountain West teams will join the conference next season. … Tez Johnson had an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown against Boise State, earning Big Ten special teams player of the week honors. It was Oregon’s first punt return for a score since 2018.