Oregon’s victory at Ohio State demonstrated what the Ducks are capable of becoming when their preparation, execution and individual talent begin working together. The challenge Saturday is proving that performance represented meaningful progress rather than an isolated afternoon when nearly everything came together after a difficult start.
Michigan arrives at Autzen Stadium with a 5-4 record, an offense searching for answers and a defense that has performed at a level considerably better than the Wolverines’ overall results suggest. Kyle Whittingham’s team has allowed just 16.2 points per game, held every opponent to 21 points or fewer and prevented opposing offenses from establishing the kind of consistency that ordinarily produces comfortable victories. Yet Michigan has lost four games because its offense has repeatedly failed to take advantage of those performances.
The contrast creates an unusual challenge for Oregon.
