Get ready, Ducks fans! As the Oregon Ducks prepare to dominate Montana State, there’s a major broadcast issue that could impact your game day viewing. Will the YouTube TV-Fox dispute leave you scrambling, or will the reigning Big Ten champs start their season strong? Find out all the details before kickoff!
The highly anticipated 2025 college football season is set to ignite as the No. 7 Oregon Ducks prepare to host the Montana State Bobcats in what promises to be a pivotal opening week clash. Beyond the on-field action, a significant broadcast dispute between YouTube TV and Fox Networks has cast a shadow over potential viewership, raising concerns for fans eager to witness the reigning Big Ten champions’ season debut. This pivotal matchup not only marks the start of Oregon’s campaign but also serves as a crucial test of their new-look roster and ambitions for a deeper College Football Playoff run.
Scheduled for Saturday, August 30, at 1 p.m. PT, the game will unfold at the iconic Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, with live broadcast coverage exclusively on the Big Ten Network. However, the ongoing contract disagreement, which saw the YouTube TV and Fox agreement expire on August 27, threatened to prevent many subscribers from accessing games aired on Fox Sports and its affiliates, including the Big Ten Network. This situation presented a real challenge for fans hoping to watch the Oregon Ducks football team in action, highlighting the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting.
Under the dynamic leadership of head coach Dan Lanning, the Oregon Ducks are coming off an undefeated regular season in their inaugural year in the Big Ten, culminating in a dominant conference championship victory against the Penn State Nittany Lions. Their impressive performance earned them the coveted No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, a testament to Lanning’s strategic prowess and the team’s consistent excellence. While their playoff journey ended against the eventual national champions, the Ohio Buckeyes, the experience has undoubtedly fueled their determination for the upcoming season, aiming to surpass last year’s achievements.
This season introduces a fresh wave of talent to the Ducks’ roster, with 37 newcomers and many players stepping into starting roles for the first time. All eyes will be on projected starting quarterback Dante Moore, who is expected to leverage this opening game against the Montana State Bobcats to acclimate to his leadership responsibilities. The early matchup offers a valuable opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate the new formations and player dynamics, ensuring the team hits its stride early in the season.
Offensively, the Ducks’ strategy under offensive coordinator Will Stein will be closely watched, particularly the depth and strength of the running back room. With the significant addition of Makhi Hughes via the transfer portal, expectations are high for a formidable ground attack. Hughes’s debut snaps will provide an early indication of the unit’s potential. Furthermore, with wide receiver Evan Steward sidelined by an offseason injury, the game against Montana State will be a critical moment for other receivers, including highly anticipated freshman Dakorien Moore, to step up and showcase their capabilities, adding a layer of intrigue to the offensive scheme.
Defensively, the Oregon Ducks, known for their top-tier performance under Dan Lanning, are poised to continue their success from last season. In 2024, the defense ranked impressively in the top 25 nationally for total defense, allowing 14 points or less in seven games under defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi. With key players returning in the front seven for 2025, including defensive linemen Matayo Uiagalalei and linebacker Bryce Boettcher, the Ducks aim to build on their No. 3 Big Ten ranking in total sacks (40). Their ability to contain Montana State’s potent rushing attack, led by returning running back Adam Jones, will be paramount in week one.
The Montana State Bobcats arrive at Autzen Stadium with their own offensive threats, most notably their rushing trio who each surpassed 1,000 yards last season. Quarterback Justin Lamson, named the starter for the season opener, will lead the Bobcats’ charge. Lamson, despite limited playing time during his two seasons at Stanford, showed flashes of potential in 2024. The Ducks’ defense will need to be disciplined and aggressive to neutralize Montana State’s ground game and prevent any early upsets, setting the tone for the remainder of their challenging schedule. Following this encounter, the Ducks are set to face the Oklahoma State Cowboys on September 6, further testing their early season form.
