The Oregon Ducks continue their demanding stretch against former Big Ten West opponents as they prepare to host Minnesota this Friday. The showdown marks Oregon’s third consecutive game against an upper-Midwest team, following two defensive battles that pushed the Ducks to rely more on toughness than explosive playmaking.
Oregon enters the week at 8-1 (5-1 Big Ten) after edging Iowa 18-16 in a late-game thriller. Meanwhile, Minnesota arrives at 6-3 (4-2 Big Ten), energized coming off a bye but still searching for its first road win against a top-10 opponent in nearly 25 years.
This matchup marks the programs’ first meeting as members of the expanded Big Ten and the first time Minnesota will play at Autzen Stadium.
A Physical Test for Oregon
For a team known for speed and high-scoring football, Oregon has recently had to win by grinding out possessions. Their last two victories—21-7 over Wisconsin and the narrow win at Iowa—highlighted a shift toward disciplined defense and steady running.
Facing Minnesota on a short week adds another layer of difficulty. The Ducks are also navigating injuries at key offensive positions, creating uncertainty about their passing attack.
However, history leans in Oregon’s favor. Minnesota has yet to win away from home this season and has struggled on the road against top-tier opponents.
Key Storylines to Watch
Minnesota’s High-Pressure Pass Rush
Minnesota enters the game with the Big Ten’s most productive pass-rushing unit, averaging 3.56 sacks per game and tallying 32 total sacks so far. Their defensive front dominated Wisconsin earlier this season with nine sacks and added seven more against Michigan State in an overtime victory.
Oregon, however, boasts one of the conference’s best offensive lines, having allowed only 11 sacks all season. The battle between Minnesota’s pressure and Oregon’s protection could become the defining matchup of the night.
Injuries Limiting Oregon’s Passing Options
Oregon’s receiving corps is dealing with significant setbacks:
- Dakorien Moore (WR) — missed the Iowa game
- Kenyon Sadiq (TE) — sidelined with injury
- Gary Bryant Jr. (WR) — left last week’s game early
Head coach Dan Lanning has not confirmed whether any of them will return for the Minnesota matchup. Their absence has forced Oregon to scale back its passing game in recent weeks.
A Strong Reliance on the Run Game
With limited options at receiver and challenging weather conditions in recent games, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has attempted only 36 passes in his last two outings combined. Instead, the Ducks have leaned heavily on the ground game.
Veteran running back Noah Whittington, now in his sixth year, has become the focal point of the offense. He has surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in two of Oregon’s last three games and is expected to carry a major workload again on Friday.
Series History and Significance
While Minnesota leads the all-time series 3-1, the last meeting took place in 2003—long before conference realignment brought both teams under the same Big Ten umbrella. Friday’s matchup represents a fresh chapter, especially with Oregon fighting to keep pace in the conference standings ahead of matchups with No. 17 USC and rival Washington.
How to Watch Oregon vs. Minnesota Live
- Date: Friday, Nov. 14
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon
- TV: Fox
- Live Stream: Fubo (Free trial available)
Prediction: Oregon Expected to Control the Game
Minnesota has been perfect at home but winless on the road, suffering two lopsided losses away from Minneapolis. Oregon may not be at full strength offensively, but their run game and offensive line remain reliable.
With Minnesota coming off a bye, the betting line may appear tighter than expected. Still, the Ducks’ overall talent and depth should give them a clear edge.
Prediction: Oregon -23.5
Minnesota’s offense has struggled to sustain drives against stronger defenses, while Oregon’s ground game continues to generate consistent momentum. Unless the Gophers find unexpected answers on the offensive side, Oregon is poised to control the tempo from start to finish.
