Oregon remains undefeated in 11 games

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The top-ranked Oregon Ducks hold a halftime lead over longtime rival Washington in a game at Autzen Stadium.

In the second half, the Ducks lead the Huskies 28-14.

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(AP) – Oregon has already secured a spot in the Big Ten title game and certainly in the College Football Playoff field, so it’s focused on the details.

The Ducks (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) sit atop both the AP Top 25 and the CFP and face longtime rival Washington in the regular-season finale on Saturday at Autzen Stadium.

“It’s always about performance. “It’s always about what we can do on the field,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “I think I’ve said it several times: motivation is overrated. Our guys want to go out there and perform at a really high level. Since the start of the season we have been talking about playing our best football at the end of November. Well, we’re here.”

The Ducks are looking to finish 12-0 for the first time since 2010, when they were undefeated heading into the BCS national championship game.

Last season, Oregon suffered just one regular season loss – to the Huskies. Washington defeated the Ducks again in the Pac-12 championship game and the Huskies went 13-0 before losing to Michigan in the national championship game.

This season is markedly different for the Huskies, as they are bowl-eligible at 6-5 overall and 4-4 in their first Big Ten season. Washington and Oregon were among the teams that reached the Pac-12 after last season.

Like the Ducks, the Huskies are focused on the regular season finale.

“We really talk about ourselves. We talk about it when we’re doing our best. What does that look like? If we have a 60-minute game where we can play our best, at the end we let the result speak for itself,” said Huskies coach Jedd Fisch. “Our boys are convinced that if we perform well offensively, defensively and in the ball game, we have the chance to compete with everyone and beat the favorite teams.”

Both teams are coming off a bye week. The Ducks’ last game was a 16-13 win at Wisconsin on Nov. 16, while Washington beat UCLA 31-19 in Seattle the night before.

Quarterback dilemma?

Washington coach Jedd Fisch has selected a starting quarterback for the game against the Ducks, but is not revealing who it is.

Washington has used both Will Rogers and freshman Demond Williams Jr. situationally throughout the season, but Rogers has been the consistent starter. Williams took over after Rogers threw two interceptions against UCLA and helped Washington qualify for the bowl.

Will they do it or not?

Lanning wouldn’t say whether receiver Tez Johnson, defensive end Jordan Burch and offensive lineman Marcus Harper II would play. All three suffered nursing injuries but were given a much-needed break during the break last week – leading to speculation that all three could return.

Johnson injured his shoulder during Oregon’s game against Michigan earlier this month. Harper injured his left knee in the same game. Burch had an ankle injury.

“Just like I always told you, when the guys are ready to be on the field, we’ll see them,” Lanning said.

Damn a story

Washington has won its last three games against the Ducks, including the two meetings last season – a 36-33 win in Seattle in October and a 34-31 win in the Pac-12 championship game.

The rivalry between the two teams is strong and Washington leads the all-time series 63-48-5.

Arguably the Ducks’ most memorable win was “The Pick” in 1994, when rookie Kenny Wheaton intercepted Huskies QB Damon Huard and ran 97 yards downfield with less than a minute left for a 31-20 win Seal Oregon.

A notable moment came for the Huskies in 2016 when they ended a 12-game losing streak against the Ducks with a 72-21 win over Eugene.

“I think college football rivalries are very special. I think that’s one of the things that makes it fun: the excitement that surrounds the fans, the alumni and the people who have been going to games like this for a long time,” Lanning said. “It definitely means a lot to us. But ultimately it’s a different game. It’s the next game. And you don’t play with emotions. It’s about execution over emotion.”

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