Oregon football fans are in for a rare sight as the Ducks host the Tennessee Volunteers of the lauded Southeastern Conference. The last time an SEC team traveled to the West Coast to face a Pac-12 opponent was in 2009, when Louisiana State defeated Washington 31-23. Oregon last faced Tennessee in 2010 during an away game in Knoxville, resulting in a 48-13 victory for the Ducks.
Both teams enter today’s game with 2-0 records during pre-conference play: Oregon bested Nicholls State (66-3) and University of Virginia (59-10), and Tennessee has defeated Austin Peay (45-0) & Western Kentucky (52-20).
The American flag is stretched across the football field for the playing of the national anthem at Autzen Stadium. The No. 2 Oregon Ducks play the Tennessee Volunteers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 14, 2013. (Ryan Kang/Emerald)
Senior wide receiver Josh Huff (1) has a quiet moment in the South end zone as the Ducks wrap up their pre-game warm-ups. The No. 2 Oregon Ducks play the Tennessee Volunteers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 14, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)
Junior running back De’Anthony Thomas (6) looks up at the scoreboard as he prepares to take the field with his teammates. The No. 2 Oregon Ducks play the Tennessee Volunteers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 14, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)
The Oregon Ducks enter Autzen Stadium for warm-ups before the start of the game Saturday afternoon. The No. 2 Oregon Ducks play the Tennessee Volunteers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 14, 2013. (Ryan Kang/Emerald)
The Oregon Duck linemen warm up before the start of the football game. The No. 2 Oregon Ducks play the Tennessee Volunteers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 14, 2013. (Ryan Kang/Emerald)
Junior defensive end Tony Washington (91) pauses to pray in the North end zone during warm-ups. The No. 2 Oregon Ducks play the Tennessee Volunteers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 14, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)
The new waterfall feature at Autzen Stadium greets guests as they enter the west gates. The No. 2 Oregon Ducks play the Tennessee Volunteers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 14, 2013. (Ryan Kang/Emerald)
Will Tyrell and Hayes Tyrell play a game of catch with their father. The family came to Eugene to visit some friends who recently moved here. The No. 2 Oregon Ducks play the Tennessee Volunteers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 14, 2013. (Taylor Wilder/Emerald)
Sophomore quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) warms-up his arm during pre-game festivities. The No. 2 Oregon Ducks play the Tennessee Volunteers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 14, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)
Oregon alum & prominent donor Phil Knight laughs as the Autzen student section chants “Uncle Phil!” as he enters the field. The No. 2 Oregon Ducks play the Tennessee Volunteers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 14, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)
Oregon players listen to Jim Radcliffe, Oregon’s head strength & conditioning coach. The No. 2 Oregon Ducks play the Tennessee Volunteers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 14, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)
The Oregon Ducks make their way out of the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex. The No. 2 Oregon Ducks play the Tennessee Volunteers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 14, 2013. (Ryan Kang/Emerald)
Senior wide receiver Chad Delaney (84) warms up with Junior defensive back Terrance Mitchell (27). The No. 2 Oregon Ducks play the Tennessee Volunteers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 14, 2013. (Michael Arellano/Emerald)
- Michael D. Williams poses for a photo prior to the start of the game. Williams was a lineman for the Oregon Ducks between 1971 and 1975. The No. 2 Oregon Ducks play the Tennessee Volunteers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 14, 2013. (Taylor Wilder/Emerald)