The No. 6 Oregon Ducks have one final dress rehearsal before hosting No. 3 Ohio State, welcoming the Michigan State Spartans to Eugene for a Friday night Big Ten clash.

Oregon aims to build on two consecutive lop-sided victories over Oregon State and UCLA, striving for a complete performance against a Michigan State team that is reeling after a blowout loss to the Buckeyes last week. But the Spartans are no cakewalk under former Beavers coach Jonathan Smith, and Oregon doesn’t want another underwhelming performance against an opponent it is expected to handle with ease.

No. 6 Oregon (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) vs. Michigan State (3-2, 1-1)

When: Friday, Oct. 4

Time: 6 p.m. PT

Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene

Coaches: Dan Lanning, third year (26-5) vs. Jonathan Smith, first year at MSU (3-2), six years at Oregon State (34-35)

Latest line: Oregon by 24.5 (Odds via FanDuel)

TV channel: Fox

Stream: You can watch this game live for FREE with Fubo (free trial) or with DirecTV Stream (free trial). If you already have a provider, you can also watch this game live on Fox Sports Live with your cable or satellite provider login information.

Oregon uniform combination: “Heroes” uniforms designed by the Lanning family to raise awareness for cancer. Black helmet, yellow and black jersey, yellow pants.

What’s at stake: Oregon remains undefeated and has put together two strong performances in a row, albeit against lesser opponents. It wants one more convincing win before the biggest game on its regular season schedule and perhaps in the history of Autzen Stadium: vs. Ohio State on Oct. 12.

Michigan State got punched in the mouth by Ohio State last time out, and an upset win over Oregon would do wonders for its confidence, however unlikely. Even a competitive performance could provide plenty to build on for Smith’s team as it trudges through the gauntlet of Big Ten play.

Oregon offense vs. Michigan State defense

The Oregon offense was clinical in the first half against UCLA before a pick-six by Dillon Gabriel shifted momentum. That dragged into a second half where the Ducks failed to score a touchdown. It didn’t end up mattering as it had the game in hand and was content to burn clock, but Oregon will want two complete halves of productive offensive play against a better Spartans defense. And to feel more confident heading into the Ohio State game.

Michigan State ranks 40th in the nation in rushing defense (114.4 yards per game) and 42nd in passing yards allowed (186 YPG). It has forced just six turnovers through five games but does average three sacks per game, so it has been disruptive in the backfield. The Oregon offensive line will need another quality performance to protect Gabriel and allow the offense to flow with balance.

Oregon defense vs. Michigan State offense

The Oregon defense had its best performance of the year against UCLA, not allowing a touchdown all game and holding the Bruins to just 172 total yards. The Ducks did it thanks in large part to stellar play in the trenches from former Michigan State man Derrick Harmon along with Jordan Burch.

Pressuring Aidan Chiles will be key: he already has eight interceptions this season. The Spartans are tied for 130th — third-worst in the entire country — in turnovers with 13. The Oregon defense creates a lot of havoc, but can it snag the ball a few times from a team with a track record of giving it up? If so, it could be a fun day for the Autzen faithful.

Matchup to watch: Jordan James vs. the Michigan State defense. Oregon’s leading back is averaging six yards per carry, but he’s yet to rush for more than 103 yards in a game this season. A big day on the ground or one huge play would do wonders for his confidence, and help Oregon feel like it can be more balanced offensively than it has been thus far.

What Dan Lanning said: ”Quick turnaround, but guys are attacking it really well. Certainly excited to get back in front of our fans; it’s been a while since we’ve been here. Getting in front of Autzen will be quite the challenge and a good opportunity for us to see where we’ve improved and continue to get better. Obviously excited to get to play a good Michigan State team, really well coached, do some good things in every phase of the game.”

Key stat: Oregon is 6-0 all-time in Friday night games at Autzen Stadium.

Prediction: Oregon 35, Michigan State 17

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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.