Nix vs. Penix when No. 6 Oregon hosts No. 24 Washington

LEFT: (Photo by Jesse Beals/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) RIGHT: (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

Sixth-ranked Oregon appears to be marching toward what could be a spot in the College Football Playoff. But first, the Ducks need to get past back-to-back ranked opponents, starting with No. 25 Washington and No. 13 Utah next weekend. 

Both of those games are at Autzen Stadium where the Ducks have a 23-game winning streak, the third-longest streak in the nation. Washington hasn’t won in Eugene since a 70-21 victory in 2016.

KEY MATCHUP

Both teams enter the game with explosive offenses, so the game may come down to defense. Oregon is allowing opponents 384.1 yards per game and an average of 26.3 points. The Ducks have 10 interceptions and 15 sacks. Washington is allowing opponents averages of 355.3 yards and 26.9 points, with six interceptions and 26 sacks.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Washington: Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leads the nation with an average of 359.1 yards passing per game. He is the first FBS QB to reach 3,000 passing yards this season, and first Washington QB to reach the milestone since Jacob Eason in 2019. His streak of 300-yard passing games ended at eight last week when the Huskies beat Oregon State, but only by two yards.

Oregon: The Heisman buzz is getting louder for Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, who last week against Colorado became just the second FBS player with two passing touchdowns, two rushing scores and a receiving TD in a single game. It was his third straight game with five touchdowns. He now has 36 total touchdowns this season (22 passing, 13 rushing and 1 receiving).

FACTS & FIGURES

In addition to its overall winning streak in Eugene, Oregon has also won a school record 17 straight conference games at home. The 23-game winning streak is tied for most in program history. Washington has lost 13 straight games against ranked Oregon teams. The last win came in 2002 when the Huskies beat No. 23 Oregon 42-12. Washington is 0-7 against the Ducks when they’re ranked in the top 10. Oregon has scored at least 40 points in each of their wins this season. Oregon is averaging 520.6 offensive yards per game this season, best in the Pac-12 and second nationally.

No. 24 Washington (7-2, 4-2 Pac-12, No. 25 CFP) at No. 6 Oregon (8-1, 6-0, No. 6 CFP), Saturday, 4:10 p.m. PT (FOX).