3 teams that could beat Dan Lanning's Oregon in the 2024 season
2024 promises to be a memorable football season for the Oregon Ducks. Oregon moved to the Big Ten and finds themselves as one of the national favorites in their new league. Dan Lanning made a massive portal spash with QB Dillon Gabriel and plenty of other talented standouts. Will it get Oregon over the top? Here are three teams that could ruin a dream season for the Ducks.
3 teams that could beat Oregon in 2024
#1.Ohio State (Oct. 12)
The Buckeyes are one of two teams universally ranked above Oregon in preseason polls. Like Oregon, Ohio State has bulked itself up significantly in the transfer portal, with additions including standout running back Quinshon Judkins and QB Will Howard.
Ohio State has one of the best offenses in the nation and is likely to test a defense that got shredded a year ago by Washington in Oregon's only two losses. Meanwhile, the Ohio State defense will bring loads of pressure against Dillon Gabriel. Oregon has allowed just five sacks in each of the last two seasons. Ohio State, though, will have designs on getting to Gabriel. It's a tough matchup for OU.
#2. At Michigan (Nov. 2)
No, this isn't the Michigan team that won the College Football Playoff last January. But it's safe to assume Oregon hasn't had an experience quite like playing in The Big House in Ann Arbor. Meanwhile, although UM lost a ton of talent, new coach Sherrone Moore will have a reloaded team ready by midseason.
Among the many issues here is that Oregon to Michigan could be a long road trip indeed in early November. If Michigan has been competitive in the season, this game could be significant for CFP purposes. It looks like a solid challenge for the Ducks on the road.
#3. At Wisconsin (Nov. 16)
For one thing, this Wisconsin game ends a run of eight conference games in eight weeks. It will be astonishing if Oregon isn't at least a little worn down. Secondly, Wisconsin is a challenging place to play. Camp Randall figures to be blustery and more than a little raucous by mid-November.
Then, there's the Badgers themselves. While Wisconsin was just 7-6 last year, they were an underdog just twice all season. In both games, Wisconsin kept the battle close and gave both Ohio State and LSU more than a little trouble. Miami transfer QB Tyler Van Dyke could certainly make this game interesting.
Which teams do you think might trip up Oregon in the 2024 season? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!