Ranking the Oregon Ducks Biggest Non-Conference Football Rivals

[Pennsylvania Duck]

Earlier this weekend, we went through the ranks of the Pac-12 conference and tried to determine which team was actually the biggest rival to the Oregon Ducks.

 

While it seems like an easy answer on the surface — of course, it’s the Washington Huskies — when you break it down into on-field results and fan vitriol, there were actually a couple of teams that really gave the Dawgs a run for their money.

 

Now we want to expand our scope a little bit and try to identify the biggest non-conference rivals for the Ducks over the years.

 

Each and every season, between pre-conference play and post-season bowl games, the Ducks have gone up against a number of the best teams in the nation, and some matchups have happened enough to the point where a real rivalry has developed. In a couple of other instances, it’s only taken a single game to spur on enough animosity between fan bases that some real hatred has sprouted roots.

 

So of all the non-conference teams that the Ducks have lined up against, which one is the biggest rival? Here are our rankings.

 

This is a fun look back, but not all memories are good ones!

 

Oregon Football: Ranking the Ducks biggest non-conference rivals

DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM

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Oregon’s played a lot of big-name schools over the years. Which non-conference team is the Ducks’ biggest rival?

[David Marsh]

I'll be honest... A list of 14 is just kinda silly. That's way too many. 

 

I'd say 5 on that list is probably reasonable. 

 

1. Ohio State - they've owned this rivalry but Oregon scoring a win in the shoe was a big igniter for something that was really one-way. We're the up and comer against the blue blood. 

 

2. Wisconsin - last two meetings have been at the Rose Bowl and both Oregon wins came by one score. 

 

3. Michigan State - not as flashy but this one feels like it has some legs. 2014 was a huge win for Oregon and 2015 was a near loss for Oregon mostly due to Vernon Adam's finger. 2018 was a one point victory for the Ducks in a 7-6 win in possibly the most boring game I've ever watched. 

 

4. Auburn - two duck losses but those games were darn close and I think we all wouldn't mind another game. 

 

5. Boise State - this one shouldn't be here but some how Oregon hasn't beaten BSU??? Need to fix that. 

 

Honorable mention... FSU. No real rivalry is possible with one game. But Oregon and FSU fans kinda hate each other and that one game was the first college football playoff game and had two Heisman winners. 

 

But one game doesn't make a rivalry but if Oregon were to play a couple more against FSU they'll shoot right up that list. 

 

I'll be honest OCC rivals are truly rare in college football. Rivalries take time to develop. I'd say Oregon and Utah have a bit of a rivalry now but that's taken over ten years and some spoiled seasons on both sides to create. 

 

I guess come next year we have a clear No. 1 and 2 of OOC rivals... USC and UCLA!!! But that's due to them leaving a conference and not being truly OOC rivals until they leave the conference..