Football
In an effort to expand their footprint, conferences have begun to try unconventional means. The Big Ten is no different. With a nationwide reach from ocean to ocean, the conference’s recent bold moves opened eyes. Social media buzzed with the news regarding one of its marquee football programs, the Oregon Ducks.
Football Social Media Reacts to Oregon Ducks’ Friday Night Schedule
With a season that runs from August to January, college teams must compete against the NFL, NBA, and NHL. However, over the last few years, the Big Ten started playing games on Friday. While many of the games were not close and did not always involve top teams, their popularity grew.
As a result, more schools are scheduling on Friday. The Ducks joined the party with two Friday games this season. Social media responded to the Ducks’ move.
And yet, watch Jedd complain that Oregon gets an extra day while Dan won’t say a word https://t.co/Nxr25DgSEg
— Travis Rooke-Ley (@travisrookeley) May 8, 2026
Travis Rooke-Ley of Ducks Rising wrote, “And yet, watch Jedd complain that Oregon gets an extra day while Dan won’t say a word.”
Many predict Washington head coach Jedd Fisch will find fault, as the Ducks will have an extra day to prepare for the Huskies. Meanwhile, Oregon made its path to the College Football Playoff even tougher with how the schedule progresses.
As a result, success during the season could guarantee a playoff spot. The Ducks landed on the No. 13 spot in the PFSN CFB Offense Impact Rankings.
Oregon has 2 Friday games now…
I called the Michigan State game a trap game when the schedule came out. Now… even moreso.
at Ohio State Nov. 7
vs Michigan Nov. 14
at Mich St Nov. 20
vs Washington Nov. 28All part of 8 games in a row w/o bye. https://t.co/4lykZhukif
— George Wrighster III (@georgewrighster) May 8, 2026
Analyst George Wrighster III commented, “Oregon has 2 Friday games now…
I called the Michigan State game a trap game when the schedule came out. Now… even moreso.
at Ohio State Nov. 7
vs. Michigan Nov. 14
at Mich St Nov. 20
vs. Washington Nov. 28
All part of 8 games in a row w/o bye.”
At the same time, the schedule will test the team’s toughness. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning knows this, and so do program alums who believe that one particular game could become a headache.
Oregon plays at Ohio State, home Michigan and then gets a short week Friday night game at Michigan State before coming home for their 8th straight week of ball to play Washington. That Michigan State game is the trap game of all trap games. https://t.co/BPwU3voTsk
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) May 8, 2026
Sirius XM’s Geoff Schwartz said, “Oregon plays at Ohio State, home Michigan and then gets a short week Friday night game at Michigan State before coming home for their 8th straight week of ball to play Washington. That Michigan State game is the trap game of all trap games.”
While the Ducks’ first Friday game will be against Portland State, the lack of a bye week for two months stands out. What happens if a key player suffers an injury? Last season, Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer fractured a bone in his hand in a game against Auburn. He underwent surgery and missed the next game. Now, the Ducks will work with no margin for error because of injuries.
The schedule sees away games at USC, Illinois, Ohio State, and Michigan State (their second Friday game). With tougher games all season and no breaks, can Oregon find a way back to the playoff?
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