university of oregon ducks football

Last year, Oregon exceeded expectations in their first go-around in the Big Ten, winning 13 games and the conference title.

Then, as we all know, they were unceremoniously bounced in the Rose Bowl by eventual National Champion Ohio State.

In some senses, it was just a bad matchup, as the Buckeyes were thirsty for revenge and boasting, as usual, a roster teeming with NFL draft picks.

However, there was some questioning of how well prepared Oregon actually was, and if they make their way into the Playoff this coming year, how will the regualr season prep them for it?

Oregon’s non conference schedule is somewhat of a joke, as they play three home games against an FBS school, the worst team by far in the Big 12 last year, and an Oregon State squad still reeling from their coach’s departure and being stranded in a conference that was obliterated.

Their first conference game is against Northwestern, who was 2-7 in the Big Ten last year.

Obviously the trip to Penn State will be an extremely tough one, but after that everything is kind of up in the air.

Will Indiana be anywhere near as successful as they were last season? Will Washington or Iowa actually be legitimate road challenges?

Will USC and Wisconsin, both former powerhouses, be anywhere up to the challenge of coming to Autzen Stadium?

It was obvious after the disaster in Pasadena that the Ducks had a lot of growing up to do. Generally, the best way for that to happen is to work your way through trials and tribulations.

Does the 2025 schedule actually present enough of a challenge that the Ducks could come out of it aptly prepared for potentially another shot at the Buckeyes in Indianapolis, or will the ease of their slate lull them into a false sense of security?