The No. 2 ranked Oregon Ducks are kicking off their season with the highest preseason ranking in program history, and believe it or not, it all hinges on a guy who *could* have been a top NFL draft pick. Quarterback Dante Moore bypassed the pros to chase a national title, but his first real test is a tricky one: a Boise State squad rolling into Eugene with a potent rushing attack and a chip on their shoulder.
Moore’s Unfinished Business and Oregon’s Stacked Roster
Oregon isn’t just good; they’re *stacked*. Coach Dan Lanning has built something special here, racking up 38 combined wins over the last three seasons. Now they’re hitting the field with their highest preseason ranking ever, and Dante Moore is the absolute heart of it. This dude literally *bypassed the NFL Draft* , he got top grades, probably would’ve been the No. 2 pick in 2026! But he chose Eugene to perfect his game and chase that national title. Last year, Moore was electric, throwing for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns on a stellar 72% completion rate. The catch? Eight of his 10 interceptions came against those brutal CFP teams. That’s gotta be cleaned up. With eight players in the top 100 NFL Draft prospect rankings, including Moore and defensive tackle A’Mauri Washington in the top 14, this roster is absolutely loaded for a championship run.
Boise State’s Ground Game Isn’t Playing Around
Don’t sleep on Boise State, man. They’re coming in as the new Pac-12 favorite, fresh off winning their *third straight conference championship*, with an insane 27-4 conference record over the past four seasons. They’re not just winning, they’re running the ball down everyone’s throats. Their rushing attack is top-40 nationally, and running backs Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines are the reason why, combining for nearly 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns. Even with a few extra offensive linemen to work in, that ground game is going to be their strength. Quarterback Maddux Madsen has to prove himself though. In their last clash with Oregon back in 2024 , a super tight 37-34 loss where Boise State almost pulled the upset , Madsen only managed a meager 3.7 yards per attempt. This time around, he needs to dial it up.
This Rematch Is More Than Just a Game
The stakes are through the roof for this rematch. Back in 2024, that 37-34 nail-biter previewed *two* CFP appearances. Boise State nearly stunned Oregon, and you know they haven’t forgotten it. But Oregon’s defense, especially their interior D-line, is being called “perhaps the best in college football.” That’s a huge problem for Boise State’s run-first mentality. The Ducks are absolutely looking to shut down that powerful ground game right from the jump.
This isn’t just another game, it’s a statement for both teams. Can Moore prove he made the right call staying in Eugene and lead Oregon to a dominant win, or will Boise State’s dynamic rushing attack, spearheaded by Riley and Gaines, shock the nation on Saturday? Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. ET from Autzen Stadium on CBS. You don’t wanna miss it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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