From Pac-12 to Big Ten Contenders
The Oregon Ducks have wasted no time proving they belong on the national stage. After dominating the Pac-12 in recent years, the Ducks made the leap to the Big Ten Conference—and didn’t skip a beat. Their inaugural season included an undefeated regular season run, with their first loss coming only in the Rose Bowl.
Now, head coach Dan Lanning and his squad are determined to go further. Their eyes are set firmly on a National Championship, and the next step on that path arrives next weekend in a marquee showdown against Penn State.
A Tune-Up Against Oregon State
On Saturday, the Ducks cruised past in-state rival Oregon State, rolling to a 41-7 victory. It was their third blowout win of the season and served as a tune-up for the much tougher test ahead.
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The Beavers never stood much of a chance, as Oregon’s offense clicked early and the defense rebounded from previous struggles. Still, for the Ducks, this game was less about celebrating and more about preparing for what’s next.
Focus on Penn State
When asked after the game when the Ducks would start preparing for Penn State, Lanning’s response was immediate:
“The switch is already flipped.”
That mentality reflects just how seriously Oregon views the upcoming matchup. With College Football Playoff positioning on the line, a win over Penn State could be the difference between hosting a first-round game or traveling across the country.
Defensive Improvements Stand Out
One encouraging sign for Oregon came on the defensive side of the ball. The Ducks’ run defense, shaky in recent weeks, looked much sharper against the Beavers. Players filled gaps quickly, tackled with authority, and held Oregon State to minimal yardage.
That improvement will be critical next weekend. Penn State boasts what many analysts consider the top rushing attack in college football, a bruising ground game that can wear down opponents. Oregon knows that slowing it down will be the key to victory.
Championship Mindset
Saturday’s dominant win only reinforced the Ducks’ status as legitimate contenders. But the message from the coaching staff is clear: focus forward.
Oregon has shown it can overwhelm mid-tier opponents. The question now is whether it can rise to the occasion in one of the season’s most anticipated battles.
For Lanning and his players, the answer lies in preparation, discipline, and keeping the energy locked in. As the Ducks set their sights on Penn State, there’s no doubt their championship push is shifting into high gear.
“The switch has flipped,” Lanning said—and for Oregon, the real test begins now.
