Oregon aiming to tighten series history vs. Boise State

Given the proximity of the two programs, it's a bit surprising how little the Oregon Ducks have shared the field with Boise State in the past. On Sept. 5, the Ducks and Broncos will do battle for just the fifth time, and the Ducks have some work to do to get even in the series.

Boise State has a 3-1 series edge over Oregon, but every game in the series has been a close fight. Oregon holds the longest nonconference home win streak in the country, with 38 straight victories dating back to 2009. The most recent loss? Well, that came against Boise State, which beat the Ducks 37-32 on Sept. 20, 2008.

That marked the first game in series history between Oregon and Boise State. The Ducks lost starting quarterback Jeremiah Masoli early in that matchup as the Broncos pulled off the upset at Autzen Stadium. Oregon and Boise State met up again the following season, this time on the infamous blue turf in Boise, Idaho. The Ducks fell, 19-8, in a game that famously ended with LeGarrette Blount throwing a punch at Boise State's Bryan Hout.

The two programs didn't meet again until 2017, when Boise State beat the Ducks, 38-28, in the Las Vegas Bowl. Oregon entered the game under unusual circumstances, with former head coach Willie Taggart having left the program before the game, beginning the Mario Cristobal era.

Royce Freeman sat out the game in preparation for the NFL draft, while freshman quarterback Justin Herbert tossed two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions in the loss. A few years later, the core of that team, led by Herbert and linebacker Troy Dye , went on to win the Pac-12 and the Rose Bowl. While many Oregon fans might choose to forget this bowl loss, it was an important learning opportunity and a moment the Ducks used to build upon.

Oregon finally picked up its first win ever over Boise State in 2024, but it was much closer than many had expected. The Ducks were favored by three scores, but still needed a pair of special teams touchdowns and a walk-off field goal by Atticus Sappington to escape with a 37-34 victory.

Evan Stewart shined with five catches for 112 yards and a touchdown, while Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen struggled, completing just 17-of-40 pass attempts. Ashton Jeanty carved the Ducks' defense apart, rushing for 192 yards and three touchdowns en route to a Heisman finalist campaign. Stewart and Madsen will both take the field again on Saturday.

With a win, Oregon can create its first winning streak over Boise State. The Ducks have been great in season openers, particularly at home, winning the last 21 home openers in Eugene. The Broncos and Ducks have split their only two matchups at Autzen Stadium, but the Ducks are big favorites again this weekend.

Oregon and Boise State are both vying for playoff spots this season, and the Ducks have a distinct talent advantage in terms of blue-chip players on the roster. Dante Moore watched from the sidelines in 2024 as Dillon Gabriel led the Ducks to victory over the Broncos, but the Heisman candidate will get his turn in the matchup on Saturday.

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