The No. 8 Oregon Ducks (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) head to Piscataway, New Jersey, to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at SHI Stadium. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. PT and will air on the Big Ten Network. This is the first time these two teams will meet, adding a fresh twist to a critical game for Oregon, who are looking to rebound after a 30-20 home loss to No. 3 Indiana that ended their 18-game home winning streak and 23-game regular-season winning streak. Rutgers, stuck in a three-game losing streak, is hunting for its first Big Ten victory. Oregon is a 17.5-point favorite per BetMGM, with a 60.5-point over/under and moneyline odds of -900 for the Ducks and +600 for the Scarlet Knights. Oregon fans are asked to wear green to support the team on the road.
The Ducks will sport their all-white “stormtrooper” uniforms for the first time this season, complete with white helmets featuring black wings, white jerseys with silver numbers, white pants, and silver cleats. They’ve worn white jerseys twice before in wins at Northwestern and Penn State but with different pants. Rutgers, with a sold-out crowd expected, faces a daunting challenge against an Oregon team that Rutgers coach Greg Schiano praised for its blazing speed and sharp coaching under Dan Lanning.
Key Matchups
Oregon’s Offense vs. Rutgers’ Defense
Rutgers’ defense is shaky, sitting 122nd nationally in pass defense (allowing over 280 yards per game) and 99th in points allowed (31 per game). They rank last in the Big Ten for total yards (385.3) and passing yards (249) allowed per game. This is a golden opportunity for Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, who struggled against Indiana (21-of-34, 186 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, sacked six times) but boasts a 72% completion rate (ninth in FBS) and a 167.72 passer rating (14th nationally). Oregon’s talented running backs, like Noah Whittington and Jordon Davison, should find room against Rutgers’ No. 56 run defense (138 yards allowed per game). After barely running the ball against Indiana (19 carries), Lanning wants to get back to a physical ground game. Keep an eye on Rutgers linebacker Dariel Djabome, a tackling machine who’s been disruptive lately (two forced fumbles vs. Washington), and defensive back Jett Elad, their best cover guy with 38 tackles.
Oregon’s Defense vs. Rutgers’ Offense
Rutgers brings a well-rounded offense, ranking third in the Big Ten for passing yards (309 per game) and seventh in points (35.7). Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis averages 297.5 passing yards per game (second in the Big Ten) with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions, often throwing deep to tall receivers. Running back Antwan Raymond, fourth in the Big Ten with 96 rushing yards per game and nine touchdowns, drives a hard-hitting run game with run-pass option plays. Oregon’s defense, however, is a powerhouse: fourth in the Big Ten for points allowed (15.2) and yards allowed (252.8), fifth nationally in passing yards allowed (138.7), and tied for third in fewest big plays allowed (12 of 20+ yards). Lanning is pushing for more “havoc” plays (sacks, tackles for loss, turnovers) after a quiet game against Indiana. Rutgers is careful with the ball, ranking sixth nationally with just three turnovers (no fumbles), but they’ve thrown an interception in each loss. Oregon’s front seven, including Blake Purchase, needs to disrupt Kaliakmanis and stop Raymond.
What to Watch For
- Dante Moore’s Recovery: Moore’s Heisman buzz faded after Indiana, but Lanning said he’s responded well, showing up focused in practice. Expect quick throws to avoid pressure (Oregon allowed just one sack before Indiana’s six) and a focus on protecting the ball.
- Bouncing Back: Oregon hasn’t lost consecutive games under Lanning, winning big after their four prior regular-season losses (43-18 average). Center Iapani Laloulu stressed staying focused on the present. Rutgers could feed off the home crowd if Oregon starts slow.
- Turnovers and Special Teams: Rutgers is 20-2 since 2020 when they avoid turnovers and leads the nation with three blocked punts. Oregon, one of eight FBS teams without a lost fumble, has three interception returns for touchdowns.
- Road Strength and Control: Oregon’s nine-game road win streak is the best in the nation. They’re disciplined (tied for 10th-fewest penalties with 25) and limit big plays. Rutgers ranks 15th in fewest penalty yards (36 per game) and sixth in time of possession (33:11), making game control a key battle.
Interesting Stats
- Oregon is 5-0 straight-up and 3-2 against the spread in Big Ten road games across multiple time zones.
- Six true freshmen, including receiver Dakorien Moore and running back Jordon Davison, have played in every Oregon game.
- Lanning called Raymond one of the best running backs Oregon has faced, praising his direct, aggressive style.
- Oregon allows just 12 explosive plays (tied for third-fewest); Rutgers has given up 107 points in three Big Ten games.
Prediction
Oregon 38, Rutgers 20. The Ducks seize this chance to regroup, with Moore passing for over 250 yards and multiple touchdowns while the running game piles up 150+ yards to set the tone. Rutgers stays competitive early behind Raymond’s runs and Kaliakmanis’ deep throws, but Oregon’s speed, depth, and defense (forcing multiple turnovers) take control after halftime. The cross-country trip brings some challenges, but Oregon covers the spread, pushes their road win streak to 10, and keeps their playoff dreams on track.
Be the first to comment