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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Podcast: Monday Mailbag: What Oregon needs to show in its season opener & more!
- Iuli is expected to start at guard for Oregon if healthy; if unavailable, Tommy Sophie and Douglas Utu are the likely combination competing for the open interior job.
- Zaire Addison and Jynoris Wilson are the leading right-tackle candidates based on preseason reporting, with the final alignment expected to become clearer Thursday.
- Oregon returns roughly 14 starters and 46 players from last season, giving the staff enough experienced depth to trust alternatives while the offensive line settles.
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