Oregon Football: Ranking 2020 opponents by toughness

The Civil War has been owned by the Ducks for the last decade-plus. Oregon football has won three straight, and 11 of the last 13 matchups. Last year’s game was closer than usual at a 24-10 final score, but that was a rarity. The Beavers have been losing by scores of 55-15, 69-10, and 47-19 in recent years.

Jonathan Smith has compiled a 7-17 in two seasons, and year three may be even tougher with his quarterback gone. Jake Luton had 2,714 yards a year ago, but it was his 28/3 touchdown-to-interception that was impressive. He was one of the nation’s most efficient passers, and was the stabilizing force as the Beavers came one game shy of bowl eligibility.

Karl Dorrell has a tough task ahead of him in his first season in Boulder. Mel Tucker left for Michigan State in February, leaving Colorado scrambling for solutions. Most teams had made their hirings and firings two months prior, leaving the Buffaloes in the out in the late-winter cold.

After what appeared to be a signature win and momentum builder for Tucker, 2019 could not have taken a worse turn. Colorado lost seven of their last ten games, including a season-ending beatdown at the hands of Utah (a final score of 45-15).

Not only is Dorrell inheriting a program in rough shape, but he’s also tasked with replacing the few positives. Quarterback Steven Montez, Wideout Laviska Shenault, and linebacker Davion Taylor have all left Boulder.