The No. 3 Oregon Ducks are gearing up for a monumental clash against the No. 7 Indiana Hoosiers. This game carries some serious Big Ten and College Football Playoff weight.
It’s set for October 11 in Eugene, and ESPN’s “College GameDay” will be there for its 13th visit to the Oregon campus. Both teams are coming off bye weeks, and you can feel the tension rising.
Indiana’s coach Curt Cignetti weighed in on facing Oregon’s Dan Lanning and their standout quarterback Dante Moore. He offered a few candid thoughts about what should be an electrifying showdown.
Oregon Ducks’ Meteoric Rise Under Dan Lanning
Dan Lanning is only 39, but he’s already built a reputation as a young coaching phenom. His time at Oregon has been, well, pretty spectacular so far.
In his second Big Ten season, Lanning led the Ducks to an undefeated regular season and a conference title. He’s been able to recruit, develop talent, and—maybe most importantly—create a winning culture.
Lanning’s Impressive Record
Oregon’s records under Lanning have just kept improving. In 2022, they finished 10-3.
The next year? They bumped it up to 12-2. Then came 2024, where they ran the table in the regular season—pretty wild for their first Big Ten campaign.
- 2022: 10-3 record
- 2023: 12-2 record
- 2024: Undefeated regular season
The NFL Draft has noticed, too. In 2025, a program-record 10 Ducks got picked, with two first-rounders: Derrick Harmon on the defensive line and Josh Conerly Jr. at offensive line.
Indiana’s Perspective: Curt Cignetti on the Challenge Ahead
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, who’s been coaching for over 40 years, didn’t hold back his respect for Lanning and the Ducks. He called Lanning’s group a great team—big, fast, athletic, and physical.
He knows the challenge is real, but he didn’t sound intimidated. Cignetti believes his own squad has what it takes to go toe-to-toe with Oregon.
Cignetti’s Game Plan
Cignetti talked about what it takes to prep for the Ducks. He’s focused on being ready for a team that excels in so many areas.
Matching Oregon’s physicality and speed is key, but so is dealing with their depth and versatility. It’s a tall order, but that’s what you sign up for in games like this.
- Physicality: Matching Oregon’s strength and athleticism
- Speed: Preparing for a fast-paced game
- Depth: Countering Oregon’s versatile roster
He also put a lot of emphasis on confidence and belief—without those, it’s hard to compete at this level. Against a team like Oregon, you need every edge you can find.
Dante Moore: The Ducks’ Heisman Hopeful
Quarterback Dante Moore has become the heartbeat of Oregon’s offense. He’s now a legit Heisman contender.
His performance against Penn State, leading the Ducks to an upset, really turned heads. Moore’s quickly climbed the ranks among the nation’s top quarterbacks.
Moore’s Stellar Statistics
Moore’s numbers are hard to ignore. In five starts, he’s completed 100 of 134 passes—good for a 74.6 percent completion rate.
He’s thrown for 1,210 yards and 14 touchdowns, which puts him fifth nationally in completion percentage. The guy just delivers.
- Completion Percentage: 74.6%
- Passing Yards: 1,210 yards
- Touchdowns: 14 TDs
Cignetti called out Moore’s big-time arm, quick release, and accuracy. He also mentioned Moore’s athleticism and his knack for extending plays and changing direction when things break down.
Moore’s got strong chemistry with his receivers and really commands the offense. That’s been a big piece of Oregon’s success.
Offensive Weapons: Oregon’s Depth and Versatility
It’s not just Moore, though. The Ducks have offensive weapons everywhere you look.
Cignetti pointed out their wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs as real difference-makers. Oregon can spread the ball around and use the whole field, which makes them a nightmare to defend.
Key Offensive Players
The wide receivers have been especially reliable—Moore’s got options. Tight ends and running backs add even more depth and flexibility to the offense.
- Wide Receivers: Talented and reliable targets
- Tight Ends: Good depth and versatility
- Running Backs: Effective in both running and passing games
This kind of depth lets Oregon stay balanced and unpredictable. Honestly, it’s a big reason they keep putting up points, no matter who they’re facing.
The Big Ten Showdown: What to Expect
The Ducks and Hoosiers are both coming in with a lot to prove. The outcome here will shake up the Big Ten standings and could have ripple effects for the College Football Playoff.
Both teams are well-coached and loaded with talent. Autzen Stadium’s going to be rocking—should be one heck of a game.
Game Details
The game kicks off at 12:30 p.m. PT on October 11. You can catch it on CBS.
This is the eighth time top-10 teams will meet at Autzen Stadium. That’s a pretty big deal for fans who love a bit of history with their football.
- Date: October 11
- Time: 12:30 p.m. PT
- Location: Autzen Stadium
- Broadcast: CBS
Want more details or some deeper takes? Check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
Fans and analysts can’t help but feel the buzz. Oregon Ducks versus Indiana Hoosiers—there’s a lot riding on this one, and honestly, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll come out on top.
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