Week one preview: Can Boise State pull off the upset against #2 Oregon?
- Boise State enters the Oregon opener as a 24.5-point underdog with a 51.5 total in the highest-ranked opponent matchup and largest underdog spot the Broncos have seen in 25 seasons.
- Oregon's defense is framed as an elite Dan Lanning unit designed to stop inside-zone and RPO-heavy offenses while forcing outside-zone runs and perimeter one-on-one wins.
- Boise State's defense needs its front four and Erik Chinander to pressure Dante Moore, whose prior pressure splits included a 57.5 completion rate with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
- The final prediction expects Oregon to win 38-10 because Boise State's offense may struggle against Oregon's pass rush and Maddux Madsen has documented problems against power-conference opponents.
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Gage Hurych and Bailey Ettridge heavy favorites for starting special teams jobs, per Joe Lorig
- Oregon special-teams coordinator Joe Lorig identified Gage Hurych as the clear favorite to replace Atticus Sappington at kicker after two years of planned development and prior game repetitions on extra points and field goals.
- Hurych has demonstrated 50-plus-yard range, although both of his 50-yard attempts in the 2026 spring game had sufficient distance but missed off line, while Rocco Graziano and Keaton Emmett remain his challengers.
- Nevada transfer Bailey Ettridge leads Oregon's punter competition after averaging 44.7 yards per punt in his 2025 college debut, with freshmen Michael Sbuttoni and Jack Nicoli continuing to compete behind him.
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