ANN ARBOR, Mich. – If someone told you before the 2024 season that No. 1 Oregon would enter the Big House, control the entire game and win by three touchdowns, would you believe them?

The Ducks would, if they looked that far ahead. The confidence seems to have always been there, but the narrow, weekly focus of this Oregon team borders on the extreme under Dan Lanning. And the unwavering adoption of the coach’s mentality proves all the more evident with each passing game.

After a 38-17 victory over the reigning national champions, Dillon Gabriel smiled and looked down when asked about the gravity of the moment: Oregon is the first team to beat Michigan and Ohio State in the same season since Michigan State did so in 2015 . .

“I don’t know, I feel like the history doesn’t necessarily align with what we want to do,” Gabriel said. “I think we’re so focused on it right now. We’ll look back and maybe you can ask me that question. Hopefully in January.

“By being present, being in the moment, we were able to seize every moment. Easy to say, hard to do. These seasons are long, but I appreciate us staying fresh, being present and getting better every week.”

Much of the conversation around Oregon entering the Big Ten has been about its ability to stick with the physicality of the conference, whether that be in the trenches or anywhere on the field.

The Ducks were superior in every phase on Saturday in one of college football’s hallowed venues. They rushed for 176 yards and picked up another 294 through the air behind a much-improved offensive line. And on defense, aside from a few resurgent attacks from the Wolverines in the second half, Oregon had a largely one-dimensional Michigan team under control.

Perhaps the question — with three games plus a conference championship to go — should be: Can the rest of the Big Ten stick with Oregon? Except for Ohio State, there has been no challenge. And maybe there’s no rest of the way.

“Joining a new conference, gaining a little bit of dominance,” linebacker Bryce Boettcher said. “We’re new to the area, but we’re here to stay.”

No. 1 Oregon (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten) vs. Maryland (4-4, 1-4)

• When: Saturday November 9
• Time: 4pm PT
• Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene
• TV channel: Big Ten Network
• Current: Watch this game live for FREE with Fubo (free trial) or with DirecTV Stream (free trial).
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— Ryan Clarke covers the Oregon ducks and Big Ten Conference. Listen to the Ducks confidential podcast or subscribe to the Ducks Roundup Newsletter.