It's almost here. Just one day remains before the Oregon Ducks will take the field against their most heated rival, the Washington Huskies, in the 2025 regular-season finale.
While the stakes for bragging rights are already high enough, the College Football Playoff stakes are even higher for this game. There's a scenario that the Ducks could miss the CFP altogether with a disappointing loss to Washington — and that's exactly what Washington is aiming to do.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJust one devastating defeat at the hands of the Wisconsin Badgers three weeks ago separates the Huskies from their current 8-3 record and a 9-2 record that, with a win against Oregon, could've boosted them into CFP territory. They're no slouch.
Yes, the game is at Husky Stadium. Yes, it's a heated rivalry. Yes, the stakes are as high as possible. But that doesn't mean the Ducks should come in and be intimated in the slightest. They're coming off arguably their best two-game stretch of the season, with victories over the Minnesota Golden Gophers and No. 15 USC Trojans, further bolstering their CFP resume and putting themselves in position to host a home playoff game at Autzen Stadium — of course, with a win over Washington.
In order to pull out a victory, these questions will have to be answered by head coach Dan Lanning and his Oregon squad on Saturday in Seattle.
Can the Ducks play with composure?
Oregon defensive backs Ify Obidegwu, left, and Jadon Canady celebrate as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.Last week against USC, also a heated rivalry, there were several instances in which Oregon players were involved in extra curricular activities, with wide receiver Malik Benson nearly costing the Ducks a chance at scoring in the red zone with a taunting penalty.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere's much more room for error in the comforts of Autzen Stadium. But on the road? Not so much.
Playing with composure also means realizing what the moment means and not letting the lights get too bright. As mentioned, the stakes are extremely high and the Huskies will be coming in with a clear goal of knocking Oregon off its perch. The Ducks players and coaches have to recognize that, take a deep breath and execute. At the end of the day, all that matters is leaving Seattle with a win.
An ugly win is a win nonetheless. However it gets done, it will have to be done with composure in the tough environment that Husky Stadium is.
How much will Kenyon Sadiq be involved?
Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) celebrates against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesIt should come as no surprise that arguably the Ducks' two sharpest offensive efforts over the past two months have come in the past two weeks in which Kenyon Sadiq caught six and eight passes, tied for second-most on the season and his season-high, respectively.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe's totaled 168 yards and three touchdowns in those games, providing several highlight-reel worthy catches and runs. Sadiq's impressive play is also opening up other pass catchers in the offense, a major development especially with the absence of wide receivers Dakorien Moore, Gary Bryant Jr. and Evan Stewart, who are the top three options at that position.
Jeremiah McClellan and Benson have stepped up mightily, becoming the de-facto top options on the outside. But a lot of that is because Sadiq, who will be a first-round pick when he declares for the NFL Draft, commands so much attention from defenses.
He commands attention from the start of the game, which should be no different against Washington, but even more so when he's getting targeted early and often. And that's exactly when quarterback Dante Moore should look Sadiq's way: early and often.
If he has another monster game, it should equal another monster outing for the Oregon offense.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe blueprint has been laid out for success offensively: feed Sadiq. The Ducks just have to follow it.
Can Brandon Finney Jr. improve when the ball's in the air?
USC wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane hauls in a pass under cover from Oregon defensive back Brandon Finney Jr. as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.True freshman cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. quickly worked his way up the lineup this season, eventually becoming the Ducks' ace cover man. And through eight games, the 6-foot-2, 203-pounder didn't see many footballs thrown his way.
He was an advanced stats darling, leading the country in allowed pass completion percentage, allowed passer rating and several other stats that didn't necessarily factor in how many times he was targeted. While it's a testament to his coverage that he wasn't being targeted, there was going to be a time when teams had to test him simply out of necessity.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat time came partially in Week 12 against Minnesota. Quarterback Drake Lindsey wasn't shy in throwing fade passes in Finney's direction, completing one in tight coverage and drawing a pass interference penalty on another throw towards the true freshman.
Week 13 against the Trojans brought more of that, as Finney was matched up against 6-foot-4 receiver Ja'Kobi Lane, who very well could be a first-rounder in 2026. Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava looked Finney's way repeatedly, leading to multiple pass interferences and clear struggles when the ball was in the air.
The Huskies present another challenge at wide receiver. Denzel Boston is their go-to guy on the outside, as he stands 6-foot-4 and possesses elite body control and tracks the ball well when it's in the air — exactly the things that Finney has struggled against in recent weeks.
It will be a huge test for the youngster and could go a long way towards the outcome of the game.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWill Dante Moore continue his hot streak?
Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) throws a pass against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesThe Ducks need something similar to Moore as they've gotten in recent weeks: not trying to do too much. As a result, the former five-star is playing some of the best football of his career. Despite playing without multiple of his top options at wide receivers, he's spreading the ball around and finding the open man. He's made it look easy, when it's certainly not.
The Washington defense is much better than USC's, as they rank 19th in scoring defense. They will try to put pressure on him and speed up his process, something that hasn't easily been achieved by Oregon's opponents.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementComing off two straight weeks of over 250 passing yards, a first in his career, Moore needs to continue doing what he's been doing, and that's playing with innate calmness and composure.
If he doesn't commit any mistakes, spreads the ball around and tosses a couple touchdowns, it's difficult to see the Ducks losing this game. But if he contributes to Oregon beating itself, as he did against Indiana in throwing two fourth-quarter interceptions, the Ducks could be in trouble.
How will the Tosh Lupoi choose to defend Demond Williams Jr.?
EUGENE, OREGON - APRIL 26: Defensive Coordinator Tosh Lupoi of the Oregon Ducks looks onto the field during the Oregon spring game at Autzen Stadium on April 26, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)Right up there with the Finney vs. Boston matchup defensively is how defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi's unit will combat Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. He's an extremely dynamic player, undoubtedly the most athletic and slippery quarterback that the Ducks have seen this season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWill Lupoi keep a spy on him all game, as Williams has a propensity to scramble when the play breaks down? Or will he heat up the true sophomore passer, something that resulted in ten sacks last season in what was Williams' first career start?
Regardless of the scheme, the defense has to be keyed in on Williams' legs and escapability. If they aren't, he has the talent to carry the Huskies offense single-handedly.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Five questions for the Oregon Ducks to answer against Washington
AdvertisementAdvertisement
