EUGENE — One of the oldest and most frequently played rivalries in college football is likely headed for at least a one-year hiatus, but Dan Lanning would still like Oregon to play Oregon State.
The No. 6 Ducks host the Beavers on Saturday (12 p.m., Big Ten Network) for the 129th meeting in the series and what is presently the last contracted game between the schools, with 2027 as the most likely earliest possibility to continue a series that began in 1894.
“It’s certainly a game that I hope stays on the schedule for the opportunity you get to play somebody in-state,” Lanning said. “Obviously we travel a little bit more in the Big Ten. I know their conference is going to be reset and different and they’re going to be traveling a little bit more. I think it makes sense to have teams that can play each other that are relatively close. I think it’s 129 years that this rivalry has existed; that’s something you’d like to keep alive.”
Given the current state of the programs it’s even more understandable why Lanning would like to continue to play OSU.
Oregon (3-0) has won the last two games in the series by a combined score of 80-21 and won the last eight meetings in Eugene.
The rivalry, now in nonconference play, has moved up on Thanksgiving weekend to a mid-September clash.
Oregon State coach Trent Bray said the rivalry is “not what it used to be” for players after conference realignment saw the Ducks depart the Pac-12 for the Big Ten.
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Lanning acknowledged the changing landscape of the sport, but emphasized how the game with the Beavers still holds great meaning to a program with in-state players on the roster and former players on the coaching staff.
“This game still means a lot to us,” Lanning said. “State (bragging) rights. It’s the opportunity to play a team in-state that’s just down the road. A lot of fans grew up either Ducks or Beavs, even in our community, in the state. This game means a lot to a lot of people and certainly it means a lot to the people on our team.”
Part of what makes for a great rivalry is also its impact on fans. With one of the biggest point spreads in series history, few are expecting a competitive contest on Saturday, but that won’t stop the Ducks or their fans from enjoying a win that seems all but certain.
“We have a lot of pride in performance and it’s not just for us,” Lanning said. “There is an entertainment for the people that support us and our fans are the best in the nation. We want to make sure we give them the best in the nation’s product.”
No. 6 Oregon (3-0) vs Oregon State (0-3)
When: Saturday, Sept. 20
Time: 12 p.m. PT
Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene
TV channel: Big Ten Network
Watch: You can watch this game live for free with Fubo (free trial), or with DirecTV (free trial).
Stream: DirecTV (free trial) or Fubo (promotional offers) or Sling (college football season pass is just $199). Streaming broadcasts for this game will be available on these streaming services locally in Oregon and Washington, but may not be available outside of the Pacific Northwest, depending on your location.