The Oregon Ducks are gearing up to maintain their stronghold over the Colorado Buffaloes as they face off in their Pac-12 opener this Saturday at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. Historically, the Ducks have held the upper hand in this rivalry, claiming victories in nine of the last 10 meetings, leading the overall series 15-9. Last season was no exception, with Oregon decisively defeating the Buffaloes 49-10 in Boulder.
Currently ranked No. 10, the Ducks (3-0) are enjoying a solid season, with a notable victory against Texas Tech in Week 2. In contrast, the No. 18 Colorado Buffaloes (3-0) have been the talk of the 2023 college football season, thanks to an impressive turnaround under the leadership of coach Deion Sanders. The highly anticipated match is set to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET, with the Ducks positioned as 21-point favorites. Those keeping an eye on the odds also note an over/under for total points scored at 70.
Key Points to Consider:
Oregon’s Advantage: The Ducks, with their stellar scoring offense (averaging 58.0 points per game), are poised for a favorable matchup against Colorado’s pass defense, which ranks 107th nationally, allowing 265.0 passing yards per game.
Colorado’s Strength: Despite their defensive vulnerabilities, the Buffaloes boast one of the premier passing offenses, ranking second nationally in passing yards per game (418.0). The dynamic duo of quarterback Shedeur Sanders and receiver Xavier Weaver has been instrumental. Weaver, with an average of 128.7 receiving yards per game, stands out as a key player to watch.
Defensive Highlight: The Buffaloes’ defense deserves credit for their commendable performance in the red zone, with opponents scoring on just seven of 12 ventures.
With both teams highlighting their strong points and areas of improvement, the upcoming game is expected to be competitive. While Oregon’s consistent performance stands out, Colorado’s recent progress with Coach Sanders can’t be overlooked. All eyes are on this upcoming Pac-12 matchup.