When Wisconsin Nearly Clipped the Ducks
The No. 6 Oregon Ducks get set to host the struggling Wisconsin Badgers at Autzen Stadium, a rematch of the 2024 thriller in Madison where the Ducks eked out a 16-13 win. Since that game, Oregon swapped QBs—from Dillion Gabriel to rising star Dante Moore, who now boasts 1,686 passing yards, 19 TDs, and big-game moments like his four-TD outing vs. Rutgers. The Ducks’ backfield also got a facelift with Noah Whittington, Dierre Hill Jr., and Jordon Davison leading the ground attack. On defense, Oregon lost nine starters to the NFL but still ranks third in the Big Ten in points allowed (14.4 ppg). Meanwhile, Wisconsin has tumbled to a five-game losing streak, shut out by Iowa and Ohio State, and faces mounting pressure on coach Luke Fickell despite AD Chris McIntosh’s faith. Oddsmakers have Oregon as 33.5-point favorites, setting the stage for either a laugher or an improbable Badger upset.
It’s been seven minutes since Oregon’s offense switched quarterbacks and hardly anybody noticed—except Wisconsin’s defensive coordinators, who probably still have PTSD from “Jump Around” flashbacks. Dante Moore’s meteoric rise proves Ducks fans can’t complain when their QB goes down; they just hope the new one doesn’t fumble and spotlight Taco Bell commercials. Wisconsin, meanwhile, is auditioning for the next horror movie: “Camp Randall Massacre,” featuring back-to-back shutouts, a coach on the hot seat and Badger fans chanting “Fire him!” louder than “Onward, Christian Soldiers.” If Fickell survives Saturday, he might deserve sainthood—or at least a free therapy dog for the locker room.
Big Duck on the Rise: A’Mauri Washington’s Draft Rocket
Oregon defensive tackle A’Mauri Washington has skyrocketed from rotational role to first-round buzz in his first full season as a starter. The 6-foot-3, 330-pound run-plugging anchor has recorded 16 tackles, three pass breakups and a sack in six games, earning rave reviews from scouts and analysts like ESPN’s Matt Miller. Washington’s quickness off the snap and disruptive presence have scouts calling him a legitimate Round 1 prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. He could join fellow Duck Matayo Uiagalelei as a Day 1 pick, following a lineage of Oregon linemen like Derrick Harmon, Jordan Burch and Brandon Dorlus who’ve made headlines at the next level.
Nobody warned NFL front offices that Oregon linemen are sneaky draft ninjas—now they’re panicked, combing tape like caffeine-addled detectives. A’Mauri Washington’s breakout feels like discovering your potted plant can bench press. Scouts drool over his speed-turn-stall move, as if he’s auditioning for “Dancing with the Stars: Trenches Edition.” Meanwhile, Ducks fans are gleeful, already imagining his rookie season highlights mashed into TikToks. If he doesn’t go Round 1, expect Oregon fans to stage a full-on riot—or at least a spirited protest outside Roger Goodell’s house (BYOB: Bring Your Own Banners).
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