The path forward is clear. Three more regular-season wins and Oregon can march into the Big Ten championship game in Lucas Oil Stadium with an undefeated record and an all-but-guaranteed playoff spot. The Ducks would undoubtedly love to enter such a big contest in a position of safety, knowing a rematch with fellow powerhouse Ohio State or a new challenger in Penn State or upstart Indiana could easily end in a loss heading into the playoffs. Keeping their foot on the gas and winning the next three favorable matchups against inferior opponents will make that possibility a reality and ensure Oregon will have a chance to compete for a national championship whether or not they end atop the conference.
Last weekend, Oregon maintained momentum and vanquished a struggling Michigan team in Ann Arbor to the tune of 38-17. While such a matchup would have been a national headliner in 2023, this year’s Wolverines are very much on the downswing and could only keep the Ducks close for a quarter until their defense fell apart and didn’t recover. It was the third game in a row that Oregon has won by double digits, and it is now the eighth time they have surpassed thirty points in a game this season. Dillon Gabriel didn’t produce eye-popping personal statistics but continued to produce at a steady rate, throwing for 294 yards and a touchdown and adding 23 yards and a TD on the ground as well. His profile in the Heisman race continues to rise as Boise State star Ashton Jeanty’s prolific rushing production has slowed down recently, and Colorado two-way phenomenon Travis Hunter remains on a team outside of the playoff race.
Maryland is currently in the midst of a season to forget, a disappointing turn after going 8-5 in 2023 and ending the season on a high note with a win in the Music City Bowl over Auburn. Unfortunately, whether it be the higher level of competition in the Big Ten this year or roster turnover to blame, the 2024 Terrapins find themselves near the bottom of a conference they’d hoped to compete in. Ranked only above Rutgers and a putrid Purdue team, Maryland’s best win of the season has come against the worst USC squad since Lincoln Riley took over, and they were subsequently destroyed on the road last weekend at Minnesota. The Golden Gophers put on a crushing offensive display, lighting up Maryland’s defense for 48 points and holding starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. to barely over 200 yards and two interceptions. Their role going forward, as they also play Penn State to end the season, will be to act as a spoiler to the top teams in the Big 10, no longer fighting for their own record but sending unexpected waves through a conference that has largely forgotten about them till next year.
A bright spot throughout the year for the Terrapins has been senior wide receiver Tai Felton, who currently ranks sixth in the nation in receiving yards and has already surpassed each of his previous seasons production-wise. The Ducks will have to keep a close eye on Felton, as his connection with junior quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. has helped propel Maryland into the top ten in passing offense, actually coming in two spots higher than Oregon (9th vs 11th overall). Dan Lanning has the depth at defensive back to cover Felton and has plenty of talent left over, as Jabar Muhammed, Sione Laulea, and Kam Alexander, among others, will get their shot to shut down the star receiver. Other than stopping the Terrapins’ potent air attack, Oregon should not have much to worry about, as Maryland’s total offense ranks 36th in the nation, and their rushing offense has been bottom of the barrel all year, coming in at 107th. The Ducks 11th 11th-ranked offense will likely also not meet much resistance, as Maryland’s defense has absolutely bled points so far this season en route to a 79th overall ranking in total defense.
Unfortunately, the injury report this week involves a key player for Oregon as star receiver Tez Johnson suffered an unspecified injury to his shoulder in the first drive against Michigan last week and will miss at least this game vs. Maryland. When asked about the status of the Duck’s leader in receiving yards, Lanning had this to say, “(Tez Johnson) will be down in the near future, but I do anticipate getting Tez back” (via SI). He will reportedly not undergo any type of surgery and will make his return in the coming weeks for a team that will need his leadership and talent heading into the hardest part of the season. Similarly to Johnson, offensive lineman Marcus Harper II also went down vs. Michigan, leaving the field with an apparent knee injury and not coming back in. Lanning also confirmed he would miss some time but be back before the end of the year. On the more positive side, receiver Gary Bryant Jr. is fully healthy and should make his debut for the Ducks on Saturday. He is a welcome addition with or without recent injuries, but especially with Johnson out.
ESPN currently has Oregon favored by -25 points in Autzen with an over/under of 57.5. Oregon has already surpassed that margin of victory four times this season, and Maryland is one of the worst teams they’ve faced so far. At home, expect a massive Ducks blowout in this one as they both beat Maryland by more than 25, hit the over, and continue their march toward a rare undefeated season.
Prediction: Oregon W, 45-14
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