Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) fights through an attempted tackle by Virginia Cavaliers defensive back Kelvin Rainey (38.) The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Aaron Nelson/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks wide receiver Devon Allen (13) runs the ball to the end zone for a touchdown. The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Kaylee Domzalski/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks defensive back Reggie Daniels (8) grabs Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Doni Dowling (7). The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Kaylee Domzalski/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks tight end Pharoah Brown (85) drags Virginia Cavaliers defenders. The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Aaron Nelson/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) carries the ball for a touchdown. The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Kaylee Domzalski/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks linebacker Troy Dye (35) pumps up the fans. The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Kaylee Domzalski/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs throw Virginia Cavaliers linebacker Zach Bradshaw (51). The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Aaron Nelson/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks running back Taj Griffin (5) is tackled by Virginia Cavaliers safety Juan Thornhill (21). The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Kaylee Domzalski/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Shane Lemieux (68) tackles Virginia Cavaliers linebacker Zach Bradshaw (51). The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Kaylee Domzalski/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks defensive linemen Austin Maloata (50) fights through a double team by Virginia Cavaliers offensive linemen Jack English (67) and Michael Mooney (76). The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Aaron Nelson/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks defensive back Khalil Oliver (26) celebrates a sack. The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Kaylee Domzalski/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks wide receiver Dwayne Stanford (88) takes a hit. The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Kaylee Domzalski/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks quarterback Dakota Prukop (9) throws over Virginia Cavaliers defenders. The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Aaron Nelson/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks quarterback Dakota Prukop (9) runs past Vrigina Cavaliers defenders Gladimir Paul (36) and Donte Wilkins (1). The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Aaron Nelson/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks wide receiver Devon Allen (13) sprints to the endzone after a long catch. The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Aaron Nelson/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks defensive back Juwaan Williams (17) moves Oregon Ducks running back Tony Brooks-James (20) away from a small fight. The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Kaylee Domzalski/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks defensive back Tyree Robinson (2) claps to the crowd. The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Aaron Nelson/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks running back Tony Brooks-James (20) carries the ball to the end zone. The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Kaylee Domzalski/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks tight end Pharoah Brown (85) runs through attempted tackles and a facemask from Virginia Cavaliers defenders Jordan Mack (37) and Zach Bradshaw (51). The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Aaron Nelson/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks wide receiver Dwayne Stanford (88) is held back by teammate Juwann Williams (17) after a penalty. The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Aaron Nelson/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jacob Capra (71), Oregon Ducks wide receiver Connor Berggren (80) and Oregon Ducks linebacker La’Mar Winston Jr. (34) kneel with other players at the end of the game. The No. 24 Oregon Ducks play the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 9, 2016. (Kaylee Domzalski/Emerald)
Kaylee Domzalski
When Oregon and Nebraska collide on Saturday, it will be a battle of pride. Whichever team wins will give its conference a big victory and signify that they are ready to compete for a conference championship. Likewise, the loser will further sink into college football’s graveyard of mediocrity. Here are the players to watch: OREGON …