Oregon Ducks: Preliminary Analysis of The 2024 Football Schedule
EUGENE, Ore. — The Oregon Ducks lost the game against the Washington Huskies in the final Pac-12 Championship in 2023. The loss of 34-31 meant they were not able to take the trophy home. However, they ended their official season with an easy win over the Liberty Flames. Since the end of the 2023 season, however, a lot has been going on.
For one, coach Dan Lanning turned down the Alabama Crimson Tide job offer. Most current players have officially announced their return, while a few are leaving. There are about six players in the transfer portal. Thus, January 2024 has been a roller coaster ride for Oregon Duck fans.
Even though the Ducks did not make the Pac-12 Championship in 2023, they start the 2024 season as one of the top teams nationwide. Despite all the happenings, this gives the team a huge incentive for the future. Hopefully, the schedule for 2024 will provide worthy opponents to make this year a memorable national championship.
The question is, how will the Oregon Ducks fair? Here is a preliminary schedule as an indicator.
Hawaii, August 24
Location: Manoa, Hawaii, Aloha Stadium
Series Record: Oregon leads 5-3
Analysis
Initial indications are that the game might not happen. The reason is that Hawaii has scheduling issues at this point. If the game does happen, however, the game should be an easy win for the Ducks. Last season, they obliterated Hawaii with a 55-10 win.
Idaho, August 31
Location: Eugene, Oregon, Autzen Stadium (home game)
Series Record: Oregon leads 52-3-4
Analysis
This home game is set to be drama-free as Oregon and Idaho meet up after quite a while. Oregon fans will be treated to an exciting game and have the chance to see all of the new changes to their team for the first time.
Boise State, September 7
Location: Eugene, Oregon, Autzen Stadium (home game)
Series Record: Boise State leads 3-0
Analysis
This game could be more challenging, as Boise State has always given the Ducks an uphill battle. They have beaten the Ducks for the last ten years and are entering the season with a 3-0 series win. The Ducks can, however, use their 2023 momentum and talent to finally get the better of the Broncos.
Oregon State, September 14
Location: Corvallis, Oregon, Reser Stadium
Series Record: Oregon leads 68-49-10
Analysis
For the first time in history, the two teams will meet as non-conference opponents. The game takes place in September, which is a deviation from the usual late November. It could be an easy win for the Ducks, as the Beavers have recently lost their head coach, Jonathan Smith, to Michigan State.
Bye Week, September 21
The scheduling for 2024 created an earlier than usual bye week. The reason for this is the tentative scheduling of the Hawaii game in week zero. Should this game not happen, this week will be used for it.
UCLA, September 28
Location: Pasadena, California, Rose Bowl
Series Record: UCLA leads 39-32
Analysis
The Rose Bowl will be the meeting ground for the Oregon Duck’s first-ever Big Ten game against UCLA. The Ducks might have an easy win as the Bruins are having issues with their roster as well as their coaching staff.
Michigan State, October 5
Location: Eugene, Oregon, Autzen Stadium (home game)
Series Record: Oregon leads 4-3
Analysis
Michigan State will bring a familiar face, Jonathan Smith, with them. The Spartans are not a top Big Ten conference team, but they can become serious contenders with their improved coaching.
Ohio State, October 12
Location: Eugene, Oregon, Autzen Stadium (home game)
Series Record: Ohio State leads 9-1
Analysis
This is set to be one of the biggest and best games of 2024. It could easily lead to both the college football and conference championship playoffs. Both teams are in the top ranking of the top ten teams and can land spots in the top five.
Purdue, October 19
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, Ross-Ade Stadium
Series Record: Oregon leads 2-1
Analysis
This game might not be that competitive, as Purdue ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten. They might not provide the Ducks with much of a challenge.
Illinois, October 26
Location: Eugene, Oregon, Autzen Stadium (home game)
Series Record: Oregon leads 2-1
Analysis
Illinois, too, does not pose much of a challenge to the Ducks. This game might be a good practice session for the Ducks to face their next opponent.
Michigan, November 2
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, Michigan Stadium
Series Record: Michigan leads 3-2
Analysis
Fans should watch out for this game as well. Even though the Wolverines have lost some major players, they should still remain one of the top teams in the Big Ten. The Ducks should therefore prepare for a tough game.
Maryland, November 9
Location: Eugene, Oregon, Autzen Stadium (home game)
Series Record: No Previous Matchups
Analysis
Maryland performed reasonably in 2023, but they have to look for a new quarterback in 2024. This might set them back and cause them to be a lesser opponent to the Ducks.
Wisconsin, November 16
Location: Madison, Wisconsin, Camp Randall Stadium
Series Record: Tied at 3-3
Analysis
The Oregon Ducks and Wisconsin have always been intense rivals. With a new QB in Tyler Van Dyke and their coach of two years, Luke Fickell, the Ducks may be in for a tough game.
Bye Week, November 23
The Oregon Ducks will face the Washington Huskies in their next game. This means that this last bye week offers them an excellently timed time-out for the last games ahead.
Washington, November 30
Location: Eugene, Oregon, Autzen Stadium (home game)
Series Record: Washington leads 63-48-5
Analysis
In this showdown, Dan Lanning has the potential to get his first win over the Washington Huskies. The Huskies had recent setbacks when Kalen DeBoer, their head coach, left them for Alabama. The transfer portal also messed up the roster.
The Big Ten Championship Game, December 7
This is the first year the Oregon Ducks have been members of the Big Ten Conference. Because of their final standing and ranking in 2023, chances are high that they will make it to the Big Ten Championship game and win.
Comments are closed.