Boise State at Oregon

The matchup to watch is Boise State’s backfield against Oregon’s defensive front. Dylan Riley ran for 1,125 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, and Sire Gaines added 812 yards and eight scores. They will encounter a veteran Ducks group led by Teitum Tuioti, whose 2025 line included 9.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, alongside Matayo Uiagalelei, A’Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander. If that front controls early downs and compresses the pocket, Boise State’s offense will have little margin for error. If Riley and Gaines can force Oregon’s linebackers and safeties downhill, the Broncos can create cleaner passing situations.

Boise State’s best route to control is patience: lean on Riley and Gaines, avoid obvious passing downs and make Oregon’s new-look offensive line wait on the sideline. The Ducks can take command by protecting Moore, keeping the Broncos from loading up against Dierre Hill Jr. and letting their quarterback dictate matchups before the snap. Oregon’s line was still unsettled during spring, so Boise State has reason to test its cohesion rather than chase quick offense. The Broncos need long possessions and field-position pressure; the Ducks need balance, protection and enough early-down success to keep their veteran defensive front fresh.