The rivalry between Oregon and Oregon State used to be significant for the postseason. Nowadays, it isn’t as important.
Previously, when Oregon was still in the Pac-12 and the two teams played over Thanksgiving weekend, the game often determined who would play in the Pac-12 championship or affect bowl game placements.
Now, even though both teams are eager to win on Saturday in Corvallis, this game between the No. 9 Ducks and the Beavers is just a nonconference match.
Oregon State aims to be 3-0 in the new post-Pac-12 era under new coach Trent Bray. The Beavers have already won against Idaho State and San Diego State to start their unique season.
Bray mentioned, “I know this is a rivalry game and all those things, but for players and guys that go out there on the field, once the game starts, it’s football. None of that stuff really matters.”
Oregon also wants to be 3-0, but the Ducks have had a tough time with unimpressive wins over Idaho and Boise State as they start their first season in the Big Ten. Oregon, which was ranked No. 3 in the preseason AP Top 25, has dropped in the rankings after each game.
Oregon coach Dan Lanning said, “Is it another game? Yeah, it’s another game. Is it important for us? It’s very important for us.” He added, “Our guys want to go out there and have success.”
