The No. 3 Oregon Ducks are gearing up for a monumental clash against the No. 7 Indiana Hoosiers. This game carries huge Big Ten and College Football Playoff implications.
It’s set for October 11 at Autzen Stadium. ESPN’s “College GameDay” will be there for the 13th time in Eugene, which is always a scene.
Both teams are coming off bye weeks. That just adds a little more intrigue to this top-10 showdown, doesn’t it?
Coach Curt Cignetti’s Respect for Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks
Indiana’s head coach, Curt Cignetti, hasn’t been shy about his admiration for Oregon’s Dan Lanning. With over 40 years in coaching, Cignetti knows what he’s talking about when he praises Lanning’s knack for recruiting and developing talent.
He called Lanning one of the most impressive young coaching phenoms he’s seen in a long time. Coming from a guy with Cignetti’s experience, that’s not nothing.
Oregon’s Impressive Record Under Dan Lanning
Lanning has really turned Oregon into a powerhouse. In 2022, the Ducks went 10–3, then 12–2 in 2023.
The 2024 season? Even better. Oregon ran the table in the regular season.
Their first year in the Big Ten, and they didn’t just hang around—they won the conference title. Maybe those critics who doubted Oregon could handle Big Ten physicality are pretty quiet now.
Developing NFL-Ready Talent
Another feather in Lanning’s cap: Oregon’s reputation for churning out NFL-ready players. The 2025 NFL Draft saw a program-record 10 Ducks picked.
Two of them—defensive lineman Derrick Harmon and offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr.—went in the first round. That’s a big deal for recruiting and the program’s image.
Quarterback Dante Moore: A Rising Star
Quarterback Dante Moore has been a revelation for the Ducks this year. The UCLA transfer is already in the Heisman conversation.
His performance in the upset win over Penn State, especially in the chaos of a White Out game, turned a lot of heads nationally.
Moore’s Impressive Stats
In just five starts, Moore has completed 100-of-134 passes. That’s a 74.6 percent completion rate.
He’s thrown for 1,210 yards and 14 touchdowns, putting him fifth nationally in completion percentage. Those are some eye-popping numbers.
Weapons on Offense
Cignetti also pointed out Oregon’s depth on offense. The wideouts, tight ends, and running backs have all stepped up.
This offense is so versatile, it’s tough for any defense to key in on just one guy or one scheme. That’s a headache for opponents.
Looking Ahead: Oregon vs. Indiana
Oregon vs. Indiana is shaping up to be a real battle. Both teams had extra time to prepare, which could make things even more interesting.
The stakes are huge, with Big Ten and playoff hopes on the line.
Game Details
Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. PT on CBS. It’ll be the eighth time Autzen Stadium hosts a top-10 matchup, which adds a little extra history to the day.
What to Watch For
- Dan Lanning’s Coaching: Will Lanning’s strategic prowess continue to shine?
- Dante Moore’s Performance: Can Moore maintain his high level of play and further his Heisman campaign?
- Indiana’s Response: How will Cignetti and the Hoosiers counter Oregon’s dynamic offense?
For more insights and some pretty detailed analysis, check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
The countdown to October 11 is on. Fans and analysts are buzzing about what could be one of the wildest games of the season.
Whether you’re pulling for the Ducks or hoping the Hoosiers pull off something special, this matchup feels like a must-watch. Who knows what’ll happen?
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