5 Interesting facts about Michigan vs. Oregon rivalry ahead of Week 10 CFB Matchup

The Oregon Ducks head to Ann Arbor this week to face the reigning national champions, the Michigan Wolverines. This Week 10 showdown will mark the first time these teams clash as conference rivals, though they have a shared history on the field, having faced off five times before.

5 Interesting facts about the Michigan vs. Oregon rivalry

1. Turning Points in Oregon’s Program

The Ducks’ 2003 win marked one of their first major upsets, as they narrowly defeated No. 3 Michigan 31-27. This game highlighted Oregon's rise and marked them as a competitive force. In their last meeting in 2007, the Ducks pulled off a dominant 39-7 win, which would become a defining moment for Oregon football.

2. Michigan Holds Historical Series Edge

The Wolverines lead the series 3-2 as they dominated in early matchups. Their first encounter in 1948 saw Michigan defeat Oregon 14-0. Michigan also claimed victories in 1960 and 1973, establishing an early lead in the series.

3. Impact of the 2007 Season on Oregon’s Legacy

Oregon's 2007 victory over Michigan is legendary in Oregon’s football history. Entering the season unranked, the Ducks' decisive win over Michigan moved them into the top 25, and eventually, they reached No. 2 in national rankings.

Unfortunately, Oregon’s dreams of a championship were cut short when star quarterback Dennis Dixon suffered a season-ending ACL injury, ending their run prematurely. The 2007 season remains one of the biggest "What-Ifs" in Oregon's story.

4. First Conference Matchup

This Week 10 game will be the first time Oregon and Michigan face each other as conference opponents. With the recent conference realignment bringing Oregon into the Big Ten, this matchup has gained new significance and will set the stage for future meetings.

5. Oregon's ‘Owned’ Spread Offense Success

One of the most interesting aspects of this rivalry is the clash of styles between Michigan’s traditional power football and Oregon’s innovative, high-speed offense.

Oregon’s 2007 win showcased their fast-paced spread offense, a style that was then relatively new in college football. The Ducks’ explosive plays and up-tempo approach were defining factors in that game, setting a trend in college football for years to come.

Michigan vs. Oregon football Head-to-Head

Oregon (8-0) and Michigan (5-3) have faced off five times, with Michigan holding a 3-2 lead in the series. The Wolverines dominated the early games, but Oregon emerged victorious in the last two matchups, defeating Michigan 31-27 at home in 2003 and a decisive 39-7 in Ann Arbor in 2007.

Michigan took the first three games in 1948, 1960, and 1973, with their most recent victory being a 24-0 win.

Notable records in the Michigan vs. Oregon Football Series

Oregon's first win against Michigan was in 2003, a close 31-27 game, and they followed it up with a 39-7 rout in 2007. The Ducks' 2007 win in Ann Arbor was a high point of the season, moving them up the rankings and making headlines.

Though the Ducks later lost their shot at a title due to an injury to Dennis Dixon, that matchup was not only notable for both teams but it also changed the dynamics of the college football.

When was the last time Michigan defeated Oregon?

Michigan’s last victory over Oregon came in 1973 when they defeated the Ducks with a decisive 24-0 win. Since then, Oregon has claimed the last two matchups, with the most recent being their 2007 win. This upcoming game offers Michigan the chance to even the record since that historic defeat nearly 50 years ago.

Who is favored in Michigan vs. Oregon?

Oregon heads into the game as a 14.5-point favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The total points for the game is set at 45.5 (Over -108, Under -112).

FanDuel also lists the money line odds with Oregon at -720 and Michigan at +490. Despite Michigan’s home-field advantage, Oregon’s recent form and overall depth make them the favorite for this Week 10 matchup.