Report: Oregon football will pay $1.1 million to play BYU at home

When Oregon welcomes BYU to Autzen Stadium this weekend, it will come as a rare road trip for the opposing team without the promise of a return trip in the coming years. The Ducks are making it well worth the travel though, paying a reported $1.1 million, according to a contract obtained by Matt Brown.

It is the first time since 2015 that BYU will travel for a true road game without a home-and-home contract. Unlike many “buy games” against lower competition which are commonplace in college football, this Top 25 matchup offers a huge risk and reward for both sides as they hope to bolster their resume.

Despite a big loss against Georgia in Week 1, Oregon still holds the keys to its season as the Bulldogs skyrocket to No. 1 in the polls and make a lopsided game look less detrimental to the big picture. Under first-year head coach Dan Lanning, the Ducks still hold plenty of opportunities to impress the voters and those inside the College Football Playoff committee as they battle at the top of the Pac-12 once again.

Dan Lanning provides injury update

Ahead of Oregon’s Week 3 matchup with BYU, Ducks head coach Dan Lanning offered new information about the status of wideout Seven McGee and offensive lineman Ryan Walk. Both players sat out all or a portion of Oregon’s game against FCS Eastern Washington on Saturday.

According to Lanning, both likely could’ve played on Saturday but he and the rest of the Oregon coaching staff didn’t feel a need to push it. Plus, the used the opportunity to get reps on tape and experience for some younger players who will take on bigger roles down the line while the starters got back to full health.

“I think both — Ryan is one that we probably could’ve pushed to get out there,” Lanning said. “But I think it was a good opportunity for us to get some experience to some other guys that we wanted to be able to see. Very hopeful that he’ll be back and able to help us this week. And then Seven, I think same thing. You know, knowing we have some other guys that can help us there. But Seven will be ready to go.”