The first-ever Border War in the Big 10 beckons. The undefeated Oregon Ducks (11-0) host their cardinal nemesis, the Washington Huskies (6-5), at Autzen on rivalry weekend. The optics and stakes are a far cry from their last meeting. However, this matchup out west hardly needs them. That said, the underlying facets simmering beneath are jabbing at those of a Ducks persuasion. The green corner is ready to deliver the knock-out punch and put said facets to bed.

Oregon are entering the tie as the only invincible team left in the sport. They’ve already secured a spot in the CFP and B1G Championship Game. Meanwhile, Washington has just about salvaged bowl eligibility. The highs of last season are a flailing memory, and the makeup of the team has undergone wholesale changes. Yet, they hold some bragging rights over their rivals which are not another relic of the past just yet. Agonizingly for him, they are at Dan Lanning’s expense.

Player-turned-analyst Greg McElroy has brought these Dan Lanning’s demons to light. During the latest edition of his Always College Football Podcast, he said, “[In] the last three games against the Ducks, all three [of the Huskies’ wins] have come by exactly three points. That includes a win over Oregon in the 2023 Pac-12 title game. So, over the last couple of years, Oregon is 0-2 against Washington and 23-0 against everybody else. Dan Lanning [is] trying to get his first win against the Washington Huskies. So you know he’s anxious and has had this one circled after some excruciating losses the last couple of years”.

The Huskies have particularly been a thorn in Lanning’s side. However, this iteration of the team is not as potent as the one he fell short of. No Kalen DeBoer, No Micheal Penix Jr., No Rome Odunze. Washington is a caricature of their past selves. The opportunity for Dan Lanning and co. to snap a 3-game losing streak is there.

With how close the margins have been, the personnel advantage that Oregon holds now should be enough for them to topple their foes. Oddsmakers seem to agree. The Ducks are -19.5 point favorites at home off a bye week. Favorability of this kind can often transpire into complacency. Fortunately for Dan Lanning, his squad appears laser-focused on amending the recent history of this fabled rivalry.

Oregon player echoes the fanbase’s sentiments, thwarts concerns of complacency

Games such as this can often be an oversight for players in the Ducks’ disposition. The overarching goals have already been checked off. However, there are vets on the roster who have witnessed nothing but despair when they’ve lined up opposite the purple and gold. Keeping that in perspective can refine the outlook for everybody involved.

Senior year linebacker Jeffrey Bassa spoke about what this rivalry means to him and how his experience shapes his mindset for Saturday. “It means a lot to the people that have come before me, like all the alumni. I know it means a lot to the state of Oregon, the Pacific Northwest. Facing these guys the past three times has not come out with the result that we wanted. As we all know, last year was a real close game. We know what’s ahead of us, and we’re focused on this week tremendously, so we’ve got to take care of business this week.”, he said. That will be music to Dan Lanning’s ears.

The Huskies won’t lie down without a fight. But it does appear they are overmatched for this one. Would it be unfathomable to see them cause an upset? Stranger things have happened this CFB season. Washington and their fans will hope lightning strikes for a 4th time. Lanning and Co. shall seek to get over the proverbial monkey off their backs this Saturday.