Football

No. 2 Oregon Ducks to Open Season Against Boise State at Autzen

The high‑profile matchup, televised nationally on CBS, pits the Ducks against the Broncos in a test of early‑season form.

A historic series revisited

The Ducks and Broncos meet for the fifth time in the past decade, a series that has produced dramatic finishes and shifting momentum. Boise State currently holds a 3‑1 edge in the all‑time matchup, but Oregon’s 37‑34 victory in 2024 demonstrated the Ducks’ ability to rally in the fourth quarter. The upcoming contest will be played under the bright lights of Autzen Stadium, where the home crowd has become a formidable factor for the program.

CBS will broadcast the game nationally, with veteran play‑by‑play announcer Brad Nessler paired with analyst Charles Davis. Their voices will carry the excitement of a contest that could set the tone for both teams’ playoff aspirations. The broadcast team’s presence underscores the game’s significance beyond the Pacific Northwest, drawing attention from college‑football fans across the country.

Oregon’s quest for a 39th straight home win

Oregon enters the season ranked No. 2 in both the Associated Press and Coaches polls, the highest preseason standing in program history. The Ducks have posted 13 wins in each of the last two seasons and reached the College Football Playoff semifinals a year ago. Head coach Dan Lanning, now in his fifth year, brings a 48‑8 record to the field and will look to preserve his flawless start to the campaign.

A key piece of that equation is quarterback Dante Moore, who returns after a productive 2025 campaign that saw him throw for over 3,200 yards and 28 touchdowns. Moore’s mobility and arm strength give Oregon a dual‑threat attack that could stretch defenses and open up the running game for a deep stable of backs. The coaching staff has built the offense around his ability to extend plays, a skill set that proved decisive in the Ducks’ recent comeback victories.

The game is also designated a Stripe Out Autzen event, a tradition that encourages fans to wear all‑black attire and creates a visually striking atmosphere. The initiative highlights Oregon Athletics’ effort to blend pageantry with competitive intensity, turning a regular season opener into a marquee moment for the university and its supporters.

Boise State, meanwhile, arrives with momentum of its own. The Broncos finished 9‑5 in 2025 and earned votes in both major polls for the 2026 season, signaling that they remain a contender in the Mountain West. Their 3‑1 series lead adds a psychological edge, but Oregon’s 38‑game nonconference home winning streak provides a formidable challenge. A victory for the Ducks would extend the streak to 39 and further cement Autzen’s reputation as a nearly impregnable venue.

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