The No. 6 Oregon Ducks return home to Autzen Stadium for their second game of the season, hosting the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday. Both teams won their openers and enter at 1-0, but the gap between these programs couldn’t be wider.
Oregon sits as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender. Oklahoma State is rebuilding from scratch and still searching for basic answers.
The Ducks made a statement in their season opener, dismantling FCS powerhouse Montana State 59-13. Freshman quarterback Dante Moore made his first career start and looked the part immediately.
Moore completed 18 of 23 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns. He spread the ball to 10 different receivers in what looked like a polished offensive attack. The freshman’s command of the offense suggests Oregon may have found its next star.
Oklahoma State struggled to find any rhythm in a 27-7 win over UT Martin.
True freshman Hauss Hejny got the start at quarterback but was replaced after an inconsistent showing. He completed 5 of 10 passes for one touchdown and added a rushing score, but also suffered an apparent foot injury.
Redshirt freshman Zane Flores stepped in and completed 13 of 20 passes for 149 yards. He failed to find the end zone and finished with a QBR of 66.9. Neither quarterback took control of the offense, and that instability could prove costly against one of the top defenses in college football.
What to Know
New Passing Game Emerging in Eugene
The Ducks entered the season with questions at receiver after losing key NFL talent and standout Evan Stewart to injury. Week 1 offered early answers.
Moore looked confident and accurate throwing to a revamped receiving corps. Transfers Malik Benson (Florida State) and Gary Bryant Jr. (USC) showed immediate chemistry with their new quarterback. Five-star freshman Dakorien Moore also flashed big-play potential.
That trio combined for 12 receptions and showed the kind of explosiveness that could make Oregon’s offense dangerous. More consistency will be needed against Power Five competition, but the early signs are encouraging.
Cowboys Under Construction
Oklahoma State completely overhauled its roster following a disappointing 3-9 season. The Cowboys flipped 65 scholarship players and added more than 30 newcomers this summer.
It’s one of the most rebuilt rosters in college football.
The result is a team that’s still learning to play together. The Week 1 performance was uneven across the board, and the quarterback situation remains unsolved. There’s athletic talent on the field, but cohesion is a work in progress.
Oregon isn’t the place to figure things out.
Where is Makhi Hughes?
One surprise from Oregon’s opener was the limited usage of star Tulane transfer Makhi Hughes. After rushing for over 1,400 yards last season, Hughes logged just one carry for two yards against Montana State.
Six other Ducks rushed for more than 20 yards, suggesting a committee approach early in the season.
If Hughes is truly the most dynamic back on the roster, fans will want to see him more involved in this high-stakes matchup. The Cowboys’ rebuilt defense could provide the perfect opportunity to get him going.
How to Watch
Oregon is bigger, faster, and deeper at nearly every position. With the Ducks firing on all cylinders and Oklahoma State still sorting through growing pains, this feels like a potential blowout.
Expect Oregon to dominate in all three phases and continue its march toward College Football Playoff contention.
• Date: Saturday, Sept. 6
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Autzen Stadium — Eugene, Oregon
• TV: CBS
• Live Stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App
• Streaming: Paramount+ with Showtime (Free Trial Available)
The Cowboys face a massive test in their second game under new leadership. For Oregon, it’s a chance to make another statement before conference play begins.
