DSC Inside Read: 3-2-1 Look back at OSU and ahead to Penn State

 

Photo by Eric Evans/GoDucks.com

Today on The Inside Read: Oregon took care of business against Oregon State, shaking off a sluggish start to dominate both lines of scrimmage and remind everyone what Dan Lanning’s program is built on. But the real test is coming fast. A trip to Happy Valley looms, where Penn State has bulldozed opponents with balance and stifled them with one of the nation’s stingiest defenses. Before turning the page, here’s a look back at what we learned from the rivalry win — and the questions that will define next week’s showdown.

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Three Things We Learned vs. Oregon State

1. Oregon leaned into identity.
After a sluggish start, the Ducks overwhelmed Oregon State in the trenches. They rushed for 280 yards, passed for 305, and held the Beavers to just 147 total yards. Dante Moore had his most complete game at Oregon — 21-of-31 for 305 yards, 4 TDs, plus a career-high 53 rushing yards. “Do your job,” Dan Lanning told his team after the early stall, and they responded with 34 unanswered points.

2. The run defense reset its standard.
One week after leaking on early downs, Oregon’s defense stiffened. Oregon State managed just 19 rushing yards on 19 first-down carries and averaged 2.6 yards per rush overall. The front led by Matayo Uiagalelei and Tionne Gray eliminated cutback lanes, while Bryce Boettcher set the tone with 10 tackles.

3. Complementary football is becoming the hallmark.
Oregon’s “middle eight” dominance stood out: a two-minute drill touchdown before halftime, a defensive three-and-out, and another TD drive to open the third quarter. That 14-point swing turned a 14–7 game into a rout. The fake punt from James Ferguson-Reynolds also underscored the Ducks’ edge in game feel.

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Two Questions for Penn State

1. Can Oregon’s offensive line win against Penn State’s front?
The Beavers offered little resistance, but Penn State brings a defense that has piled up 9 sacks, 29 TFLs, and is allowing just 224 yards per game. DE Dani Dennis-Sutton and LB Tony Rojas (combined 9 TFLs, 4 sacks) will stress Oregon’s tackles. Matthew Bedford, Alex Harkey, and the interior must hold up against a unit surrendering just 2.8 yards per rush.

2. How will Dante Moore handle Penn State’s secondary?
The Nittany Lions’ pass defense is stifling: opponents are completing just 51.9% of passes with 4 INTs to 2 TDs. CB King Mack and safety Zakee Wheatley are sticky in coverage, and Drew Allar’s steady, low-turnover play means Oregon may not get extra possessions. Moore’s decisiveness and ability to extend plays with his legs could decide the matchup.

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One Bold Prediction

This game will hinge on first down efficiency. Penn State is holding opponents to 3.6 yards per play overall and just 100.7 rushing yards per game. Oregon, meanwhile, just ran for 280 on Oregon State and averages 6.1 per carry as a team. If the Ducks can stay ahead of schedule and keep Moore out of obvious passing downs, they’ll have a chance to flip Happy Valley on its head.

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📊 The Bottom Line:
Oregon dominated its rival with toughness and balance. Next week, the test jumps exponentially: Penn State averages 44 points per game, 437 yards of offense, and hasn’t allowed a rushing touchdown this year. It’s strength-on-strength — Oregon’s rushing attack versus Penn State’s run defense — with the Big Ten driver’s seat on the line.