Identifying Oregon's Biggest Game Of The 2024 Schedule

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning watches as his team plays Hawaii during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Andy Nelson)

By 750 THE GAME STAFF

The Oregon Ducks schedule is looking like something we have never seen before now that they have moved to the Big Ten. They will be taking on Oregon State from Corvallis in Week 2. A home conference game against Ohio State on Oct. 12th, and a road trip to Michigan for a conference showdown on Nov. 2nd.

With a lot of pressure on Dan Lanning and his program, which one game on the Ducks schedule is the most season-defining?

ESPN previewed their way-too-early top 25 teams and posted their most season defining game.

Writer Paolo Ugetti didn’t overthink it for Oregon:

On Oct. 12, Autzen Stadium will get its first true test of Big Ten football when Ohio State visits. Dan Lanning’s goal of turning Oregon into one of the nation’s top teams will have to go through two of the sport’s most storied programs in the Buckeyes and Michigan. Sure, the Ducks will travel to Ann Arbor in early November to face the defending national champions, but their matchup against Ohio State could set the tone for their season.

It makes a ton of sense that the game against Ohio State could be season defining. Ohio State has spent a lot of money this offseason to bring in some new players – a must after losing to Michigan yet again last season. According to Betonline.ag, Ohio State has the second shortest odds to win the national championship next year at +525 which is right behind Georgia who is +300. But the Ducks are getting a lot of respect in the betting market. Oregon comes in tied with Texas for the third best betting odds to win the national championship at +700. And Oregon is -450 to make the 12-team playoff.

There is also a lookahead line on betonline.ag for the Ohio State at Oregon game. Right now the Ducks are a 1.5-point favorite over Ohio State. If that doesn’t tell you how respected the Ducks are in the betting market, I don’t know what will.

It’s going to be a huge game on October 12th. If Oregon is to win that game, a lot of national respect will be coming the Ducks way. And it will be Dan Lanning’s biggest win of his young head coaching career without a doubt.

Check out the rest of the top 25’s season defining games by clicking here.

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