The No. 8 Oregon Ducks (8-1, 5-1 Big Ten) are gearing up for their second game in just a week, as they face off against the Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten) on Friday night at Autzen Stadium. Following a hard-fought 18-16 victory against No. 20 Iowa last Saturday, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning emphasized the need to quickly shift focus to Minnesota.
After a short week that included a flight back from Iowa City, the Ducks are keen on maintaining sharpness both physically and mentally. “We really put the Iowa game to bed as soon as we landed,” Lanning stated, highlighting the challenge of a condensed preparation schedule. “You lose a practice, so it”s a little bit adapted and adjusted.” With the Gophers coming off a bye week, Lanning recognizes the importance of recovery for his players.
For PJ Fleck and his Minnesota squad, facing Oregon marks the third top-10 defense they have encountered in the last two months. Fleck praised Lanning”s ability to unite his team, particularly on the defensive side. “They”re really talented,” he said, comparing Oregon”s defensive front favorably to that of No. 1 Ohio State and No. 20 Iowa.
While the Gophers struggled against both the Buckeyes and the Hawkeyes, suffering a combined score of 83-6, they managed to secure a win against Nebraska in between those contests. Minnesota”s lone other loss this season came against California in Berkeley.
Defensively, Minnesota is known for its aggressive play, ranking third nationally in sacks. The Gophers have a formidable defensive line, led by Anthony Smith, who has racked up 8.5 sacks this season. “They win up front, they create one-on-ones,” Lanning commented on Minnesota”s defensive capabilities.
On the offensive side, Minnesota is navigating a developmental year with redshirt-freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey, who has shown promise. Lindsey has thrown for 1,743 yards and 10 touchdowns, ranking second all-time among Minnesota freshman quarterbacks. Fleck noted the ups and downs that come with starting a young quarterback, but remains optimistic about Lindsey”s growth.
In the running game, junior running back Darrius Taylor has been sidelined due to injury, creating opportunities for freshman Fame Ijeboi. The Gophers” receiving corps is led by Le”Meke Brockington, who has 37 receptions for 385 yards this season.
Meanwhile, Oregon”s offensive line continues to perform well, having kept quarterback Dante Moore protected against Iowa. The Ducks were recently named semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award for the fourth consecutive year, demonstrating their consistency in protecting the quarterback and facilitating a strong rushing attack.
As both teams prepare for this critical matchup, the status of several key players for Oregon remains uncertain due to injuries. Freshman receiver Dakorien Moore and tight end Kenyon Sadiq are among those whose availability is still in question as game day approaches.
The game is set for Friday, November 14, at 6 p.m. PT, and will be broadcasted on FOX. The Ducks enter the contest as significant favorites, with a spread of 25.5 points.
