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Oregon Preview and Prediction
By The Lowes Line Staff
Matchup: #20 Northwestern Wildcats (6-1, 3-1 B1G) at Oregon Ducks (4-3, 2-2 B1G)
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 2:30 pm CDT, Autzen Stadium holding 54-60K very wet fans this weekend
TV: Peacock
Line: Northwestern (+3.5); O/U 47.5 - NU +145 on the ML
Last Week in Review:
Final: Ha I get to start this Line just like I did
my last one. Last week was all Aidan Chiles as the NU QB threw
for 3 tuddies while running in two. Griffin Wilde had 133
receiving yards, catching a touchdown. Komolafe rushed for 150
and a score and the game was put away in the fourth as the ‘Cats scored
14 for the final score of 42-14. The Lowes Line staff was
again on point taking the ‘Cats and the under.
On the injury front, Captain Robert Fitzgerald and DL Brendan Flakes
and Braxton Strong are listed as doubtful which could be challenging as
the opponent this week, theoretically, has a high-flying offense.
However, TE Luke Dehnicke is probable and will be welcome return to a
talented offense if he is able to play.
The Oregon Ducks are the opponent this week and challenges have been
the rule not the exception this season. Preseason #2, a blowout
loss to Oklahoma State in week 2 and then a devastating dirty hit by
USC have changed their season. On said hit, top NFL QB prospect
Dante Moore sustained a concussion and has not played since. Just
this week, Coach Lanning stated that Moore is done for the
season. After beating UNL (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) two
weeks ago, Oregon traveled to Champaign and were bested 21-10 by the
Illini, marred by Oregon’s kicker missing 3 FGs. Oregon will be
welcoming back their receiver room this week after 4 receivers missed
the game last week. This could be troublesome for the ‘Cats with
the aforementioned DB injuries. After last week's abysmal
showing, Coach Lanning fired OC Drew Mehringer who had been with the
program since 2022 but couldn’t seem to fill the void as former OC now
UK head coach Will Stein departed the program.
This game brings the return of former head coach Chip Kelly back to
Eugene. Coach Kelly led the Ducks as OC from 2007-2008 and
the head coach from 2009-2012. He led the Ducks to an impressive
46-7 overall record with wins in the 2013 Fiesta Bowl as well two Rose
Bowls and the 2011 BCS Natty. Coach Braun, agonizing over
his offensive struggles over the past few seasons, brought on Kelly to
lead the offense. At Northwestern, “Kelly is unleashed and
uninhibited” as described in a wonderful article about Kelly on
ESPN. The article goes on to discuss how Braun, who is
“essentially egoless,” allows Kelly the autonomy and authority to have
success with the current NU roster.
As a Northwestern fan with a daughter who is currently attending
Oregon, I convinced a group of us to attend the game this week. I
envisioned NU somehow being 6-1 going into the game with the
possibility of GameDay on site. Who knew, the Ducks would be the
team that could not hold up their end of the bargain. Regardless, a new
stadium for me with the five of us clad in Purple Ponchos as rain
showers appear to be abundant throughout the day. This could lead
to a sloppy run dominant game. Hopeful this will be a good thing for NU
as the “variety” of offenses, Kelly brings to the table tend to be run
heavy. The three headed attack of Komolafe, Himon and Sawchuk may
be able to run wild in the wet conditions. Fingers
crossed!! Lets go ‘Cats.
Pick: SUPER NERVOUS ABOUT THIS GAME, but I think Kelly wants to win at his former house.
Northwestern 21, Oregon 20. Take the ‘Cats straight up, and the under
Season to date: 7-0; Against the spread: 4-3.
The Lowes Line is an
e-mailed description of NU's
next
football game, with an invariably fearless prediction of the outcome
and
how NU will fare against what the other "experts" predict. Our
good
friend and Brother Marcus Lowes began the broadcast mailing in 1996.
The crack Lowes Line Staff (alumni Lone Star Cat,
GallopingGrapes, P.S. O'Briant, Eric Cockerill, Joel Kanvik, Charlie Simon, and
MO'Cats) have continued the Line in memory of Marcus.
For
the 2026 season it has returned to HailToPurple.com,
for anyone to enjoy. Thanks to the gridiron brain trust at the Lowes
Line!
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