Oregon aims for perfection against rival Washington
- Oregon Ducks entered the game undefeated at 11-0 and ranked No. 1 in both AP and CFP polls.
- The match was crucial for Washington, who aimed to halt their losing streak against their rivals.
- A victory for Oregon would mark their second perfect regular season in school history.
In a highly anticipated college football matchup, Oregon, the top-ranked team in America, faced off against Washington in their regular-season finale on November 29, 2024. As the only undefeated Division I team with an 11-0 record, Oregon had already secured their place in the Big Ten championship game. The ducks achieved this milestone while also showcasing a strong defense, ranking seventh nationally by allowing an average of just 274.4 yards per game. This game marked the 116th meeting between these age-old rivals, both of whom had transitioned from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten. The Washington Huskies, sporting a 6-4 record, aimed to break their three-game losing streak against Oregon and ruin the Ducks' perfect season. Led by receiver Denzel Boston, who had nine touchdown receptions this season, Washington sought to capitalize on their slow start and gear up for their potential bowl game appearance. Meanwhile, Oregon's quarterback Dillon Gabriel was making headlines as he had set the all-time career record for total touchdowns, further heightening the stakes for this match-up. With the pressure of continuing their undefeated run, Oregon was poised to finish the regular season with a remarkable 12-0 record for only the second time in school history. Their last perfect regular season was in 2010 when they played in the BCS championship. As the two teams faced off, all eyes were on the sidelines where Oregon's coach Dan Lanning was cautious about key players Tez Johnson, Jordan Burch, and Marcus Harper II, who were nursing injuries. With the unexpected outcome of the previous meetings in favor of Washington, this game symbolized both rivalry and chance at redemption for Oregon.