The Oregon Ducks have been rolling thus far in the 2024 season, led by Heisman hopeful quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Three of their victories have been against Boise State, Ohio State and Illinois, all ranked opponents. Their next test is a team they have not faced in 17 years, but is now a new Big Ten conference opponent. Oregon travels to play Michigan in “The Big House” for the first time since September 8, 2007, a game where the Ducks absolutely destroyed the Wolverines. Dennis Dixon, the Oregon quarterback at the time, became a sudden Heisman hopeful on that day, throwing for 292 yards and 3 touchdowns. Dixon also rushed for 72 yards, one of those rushes included his famous fake “Statue of Liberty” play. Dixon started the play by faking a behind the back hand-off to then Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart. Dixon, who faked out the entire crowd and tv audience, then tucked the ball away and practically glided into the end zone. That was just one example of how good Oregon was on that day. A final score of 39-7 catapulted Dixon into the Heisman race and placed Oregon into the national championship conversation. Unfortunately for the Ducks, Dixon tore his ACL in the game against Arizona State, ultimately ending their once promising season. Oregon was ranked as high as number 2 before Dixon went down. The 2007 season remains a “what if” for Oregon fans to this day.
Also Read: Michigan vs Oregon: Who has the edge?
It’s Our House Now
Going into the 2007 matchup, it was already a foregone conclusion that Oregon had no chance against the Wolverines. Michigan, although they had just been upset by Appalachian State the week prior, were expected to easily handle the Ducks. No way Michigan would lose two games in a row at Michigan Stadium, otherwise knows as “The Big House”. Looking at a raucous crowd of 107,000 people can be quite intimidating. That is why Michigan Stadium still ranks as one of the toughest places to play in all of college football. On that day however, the Oregon Ducks didn’t even notice the 107,000 people in attendance.
2007 was also Chip Kelly’s first season as the offensive coordinator at Oregon. Kelly, who would eventually become the head coach at Oregon, was the mastermind behind their ferocious attack. The Ducks led 32-7 at halftime, so the 39-7 final score could have been a lot worse. Oregon finished the contest with 624 yards of offense, a staggering number considering who their opponent was. 624 yards of offense against Michigan? At The Big House? That is the kind of thing that simply does not happen. Oregon went into the season unranked and with very little national attention. After the Ducks stormed into Ann Arbor and defeated Michigan, the entire college football world became very aware of how good Oregon was. Although the 2007 season was derailed by Dennis Dixon’s injury, the victory over Michigan in The Big House changed the trajectory of Oregon football forever.
We’re Back
Oregon returns to Ann Arbor as the favorites this time. The Ducks are undefeated and are a huge favorite to take home the National Championship this year. Michigan, the defending national champions, have been up and down in 2024. Michigan could pose as the last true threat that Oregon will face the rest of the season. The Ducks conclude their schedule with Maryland, Wisconsin and Washington. Although the Wisconsin game is on the road, the Ducks should be heavily favored. The one positive for Michigan is that all of the pressure is on Oregon. The Ducks know they have to keep winning to remain in the top 4 of the playoff seeding. An Oregon loss would’t necessarily hurt their playoff chances, but why risk it. Although their dreams of winning back to back titles have been shattered, Michigan can still play the ultimate spoiler. Will this be the game that Michigan will finally get their revenge on the Oregon Ducks?
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