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No. 2 Oregon Ducks Set to Clash With Purdue on a Short Week

Dan Lanning following the victory against OSU — © Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The No. 2 Oregon Ducks (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten Conference) will head to Lafayette, Ind., to face off with the Purdue Boilermakers (1-5, 0-3 Big Ten) on a short week. Oregon is coming off an electric performance against the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes on Oct. 12. The Ducks play the Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. EST. The game will be televised on FOX.

What's at Stake for the Ducks?

Oregon still has a lot to play for right now. Although the Ducks are heavy favorites in this matchup, this could set up to be a potential trap game if they are not disciplined throughout this week. On Oct. 12, Oregon's win against Ohio State was labeled as the biggest home victory in Ducks history. This could easily distract any team and Purdue has been known to pull off upsets at home. Oregon must flush that victory quickly and focus on the task at hand. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has been incredible this season, so this should not be an issue.

Key Players: Oregon Ducks

Offense: Dillon Gabriel, QB

Dillon Gabriel is going to be the key player in back-to-back weeks here for Oregon. Last week, the Ducks needed an outstanding game from the veteran quarterback to defeat the loaded Buckeyes, and they got that from Gabriel. This week is about discipline and execution. As long as Gabriel executes and limits mistakes, Oregon should be fine.

Defense: Jeffrey Bassa, LB

Bassa is a team captain and vocal leader. Along with Gabriel, it is up to players like Bassa to keep his teammates in check and focused. He needs to be vocal on defense and make sure everyone is not sleepwalking. A win against Ohio State can get to players' heads if the leaders don't do their job.

Key Players: Purdue Boilermakers

Offense: Ryan Browne, QB

Browne had an impressive performance against No. 22 Illinois last weekend. The Boilermakers fell short 50-49 in overtime but put up quite the fight thanks to Browne's game. He tallied over 400 all-purpose yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. If he can repeat this effort against the Ducks, then Purdue could surprise people.

Defense: Kydran Jenkins, LB

Jenkins needs to have another game like last week. Against the Illini, Jenkins tallied the most tackles on the team with 10 along with 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for losses. Jenkins needs to repeat this against a strong Oregon offensive line unit for Purdue's defense to have any hope.

Trends to Watch

Purdue's defense has been extremely suspect all season long, especially last week. Illinois had success on the ground and through the air. Look for Oregon to begin the game by establishing the run, which will then open up the deep shots we have seen a lot of this season from Gabriel. Oregon's offense is similar to last year, except we are seeing much more downfield passing than we did with Bo Nix as the quarterback.