Confidence. That’s one word that No. 1 Oregon is holding on to as they prepare for a Big Ten showdown against National Champions Michigan. The Ducks and Wolverines will be meeting this Saturday in Ann Arbor for the first time since 2007 with Dan Lanning‘s team boasting the last two winning streaks after Michigan’s three consecutive strikes in the all-time series. With Oregon topping the nation this season, confidence seems to be taking the center stage right now. 

In our exclusive interview with Oregon OL Marcus Harper II, the Ducks’ right guard doesn’t seem fazed that Oregon is set to face Michigan in the Big 10 battle. More than anything, he looks forward to it as he said, “We’re just going to play our brand of football. We know we play our brand of football at a high level. We’re a tough team to beat. So we’re just going to continue to play that and showcase that out there.” 

Oregon (8-0) is ready! They’ll be playing their sixth overall game against Michigan who experienced a fall from grace this season with a 5-3 record. They’re entering the clash as a 12.5-point favorite after beating Illinois 38-9 and Lanning is more than excited for the upcoming challenge. He said, “We’re getting the opportunity to play the reigning national champions. In this conference, it’s hard every single week. So we know we’ll get their best.” 

This season, Michigan has been struggling offensively with their highest point being the 30-10 win over Fresno State in their season opener. The QB position suffered under new HC Sherrone Moore who had to start three QBs in eight games. But it’s their defense that could give pressure to the Ducks’ offense that ranks 11th in the nation.

Can Michigan upset Oregon’s offense?

Oregon may be topping the list as a favorite Big Ten Champion and a potential National Championship contender. Still, as Dan Lanning made it clear when he said “who cares” when the Ducks topped AP Poll rankings, they’re not complacent. Ahead of their conference matchup, Lanning voiced his concerns over two defensive junior threats that Michigan possesses — Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham, calling them “game-wreckers.”

“They’re guys you have to have a game plan for,” Dan Lanning said. “They make an impact consistently in a game. They beat single blocks there, they’re certainly good against double teams and they’re good against the run and the pass. They’re guys that you have to spend time and effort for.” Both Grant and Graham are highly-touted NFL prospects recording five and six tackles for loss, respectively. But can they keep up with O-linemen like Marcus Harper II and center Iapani Laloulu? We’ll let the Oregon vs Michigan showdown be the judge of that.