Matt Leinart Teases Major College Football Upset on Saturday

We are entering the final week of non-conference play for a majority of college football teams across the nation, and there's one game taking place in the Pacific Northwest that more than a few people are circling as a potential upset.

The Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers will face off in the 128th Civil War rivalry game, but for the first time ever in the month of September, and without conference stakes on the line after last year's conference realignment.

Legendary USC Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart is looking at this game and highlighting it as something that could bring real drama. Leinart notes that going into Corvallis as a double-digit favorite — which Oregon is doing — is not something to be lazy about.

Going into the season, Oregon was projected as one of the top contenders for the national championship, and surefire pick to make it to the College Football Playoff. While they are 2-0 with wins over Idaho and Boise State, the Ducks have looked like anything but the dominant team many expected to see. Sloppy play on offense has plagued scoring drives, and an uncommonly porous offensive line is largely to blame.

So far this year, the Ducks have allowed a total of seven sacks, which is two more than they gave up during the entire 2023 season.

Meanwhile, the Beavers have strong wins over Idaho State and San Diego State to start the season, and they will be looking to knock off the much-hated Ducks, who left them for dead when they jumped ship from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten a year ago.

Two years ago, the Ducks went to Corvallis with a win separating them from a spot in the Pac-12 Championship Game, and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff. Entering the fourth quarter with a big lead, Oregon allowed the Beavers to rush the ball 19 consecutive times and come back from 18 points down to win the game at home.

It's safe to say that the Ducks know the dangers of going into Reser Stadium unprepared.

The game will take place on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. ET, aired on Fox.

Related: Crimson Tide Star to Make Season Debut in Alabama Game vs. Wisconsin