Like Big Orange1, I didn't know much about Penn St. and Purdue. I was surprised to hear that Boilermakers were up near the very end. Your analysis explains a lot.
I may track the score on the North Dakota State & Nebraska game and see if it is worth finding the broadcast for a little while.
Oregon Homers seem to be calling for a "Closer than the spread" cover based on the solid duck offensive line, some perceived talent at running back, and the assumption that Bo Nix can do something. The offensive factors would lead to a close game since the defense is supposed to be the stronger side of the ball this year. Many of the same honks called the upset over the Buckeyes last year.
IMO: with this being Lanning's 1st run as head coach, nobody can really know how the staff has meshed, and how much has been installed to the level that all 11 players on the field are on the same page and up to game speed. As with any game, praying for no/few turnovers and lots of takeaways.
When Lanning has been interviewed, he SOUNDS like a good hire. The other coaches SOUND like they are good as well. The proof is in the pudding, and I don't know if accurate results show up quickly, or if this will be a year of growing pains and band-aids.
For the first game will mostly watch the unveiling against a strong opponent without as much emotional fandom and just see what happens.