Toughest, Easiest and Trap Game from Oregon's 2023 Schedule

Well the full schedule is up for the conference of Champions. Currently, barring anything wild, the last season with the Pac-12 as we know it.

With USC and UCLA currently set to join the B1G after the 2023 season, it will be interesting to see the changes ahead. But we worry about that at another time. For now we get to enjoy one final season with all of the current members still included.

Oregon’s schedule seems to be somewhat favorable on the surface. Obviously you never know what’s ahead until you see some game action. But the Ducks do have 7 home games and avoid a heavyweight like Georgia to start the season.

Here is my toughest, easiest and biggest trap game for Oregon as we head into the Spring. For the sake of the article, I’m simply going to only be mentioning Pac-12 matchups, not out of conference play.

Toughest: Oct. 14 @ Washington

This was a tough one to pick from. It could have gone a few ways. USC will be tough, but it’s at home. Utah is going to be tough and was the next closest IMO as its also in Utah.

Washington is going to be good. They will be potent offensively and as long as Michael Penix is healthy, they will probably be the most dangerous passing team in the conference.

Additionally this could go one of two ways. Oregon has a bye the week before. Which could be pivotal for getting healthy. But could also cause them to be a little bit rusty out of the gates. I know Oregon will not overlook this game. I’m not worried about that one bit.

Still, this one likely is one of the closest betting lines this season for the Ducks. And for good reason.

Easiest: Sept. 23 Colorado

Here’s why. This will be Deion Sanders’ first major conference game. This is a massive step up from the competition he’s faced at Jackson State. Is he ready? I guess we’ll find out right away.

Oregon should be healthy four games in. Hopefully. So injuries shouldn’t be a factor. It’s also going to be a beautiful Saturday in Eugene in September in front of an excited Oregon crowd.

While Sanders added some quality pieces to his roster via the portal, the talent gap is still massive.

I think this Colorado team gets better as the season goes on, but this is a really tough opener for them. Although ASU has a massive talent gap, I think a home game for Dilly against a DC he’s faced all season in practice will probably have this game slightly closer than most expect.

So by default I picked Colorado. In fact I think Cal was probably my next closest pick.

Trap Game: Nov. 19 @ Arizona State

The previously aforementioned ASU has the makings of a dangerous trap game. Here’s why.

For starters, road games in the state of Arizona have been taboo for Oregon in the past. Secondly, we know Dilly will come with the heat and unload the playbook for this one. I would expect nothing less.

Lastly is the fact this game falls right in between two tough ones late in the season. Oregon will have a massive game with USC the week ahead and then has revenge on the mind hosting Oregon State the following week. By definition this one falls in the typical ‘trap game’ category.

This is that one game that will be tough to predict. On paper it could and should be about 45-10, but so many other factors might make it one of those games you’re just happy to escape with a win.