Heading into the second week of the college football season, the No. 6 Oregon Ducks return home to Autzen Stadium to host the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Both teams are coming off Week 1 victories and enter the matchup at 1-0, but the gap in expectations between the two programs is significant. Oregon is a legitimate College Football Playoff contender, while Oklahoma State is still searching for an identity — particularly at the quarterback position.
Oregon made a statement in its season opener, dismantling FCS powerhouse Montana State 59-13. Freshman quarterback Dante Moore made his debut as the starter and impressed immediately, completing 18 of 23 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns. He distributed the ball to 10 different receivers in a fluid and balanced offensive performance. Moore's calm command of the offense signals that Oregon may have found its next star under center.
Oklahoma State, meanwhile, struggled to find its 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 (5-of-10 passing, 1 TD 1 Rushing TD, QBR 83.3) and an apparent foot injury. Redshirt freshman Zane Flores stepped in, completing 13-of-20 passes for 149 yards but failed to find the end zone, finishing with a QBR of 66.9. Neither quarterback took full control of the offense, and that instability could be costly against one of the top defenses in the country.
What to Know
New Passing Game Emerging in Eugene
The Ducks entered the season with questions in the receiving corps after losing key NFL talent and standout Evan Stewart to injury. But Week 1 offered early answers. Moore looked confident and accurate, while transfers Malik Benson (Florida State) and Gary Bryant Jr. (USC), along with five-star freshman Dakorien Moore, flashed their big-play potential. That trio combined for 12 receptions and showed early chemistry with Moore — though more consistency will be needed against Power Five competition.
Cowboys Under Construction
Oklahoma State overhauled its roster following a disappointing 3-9 season in 2024, flipping 65 scholarship players. More than 30 newcomers joined the program this summer, making it one of the most rebuilt rosters in college football. The result? A team still learning to gel. The Week 1 performance was uneven, and the quarterback situation is far from resolved. There is athletic talent on the field, but cohesion is a work in progress — and Oregon is not 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. Six other Ducks surpassed 20 yards on the ground, suggesting a by-committee approach early. But if Hughes is truly the most dynamic back on the roster, fans will want to see him more involved in this high-stakes matchup.
How to Watch
Oregon is bigger, faster, stronger, and deeper at every position. With the Ducks firing on all cylinders and Oklahoma State still sorting through growing pains, this game feels like a mismatch. Expect Oregon to dominate all three phases and continue its march toward national relevance.
- 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)
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