Oregon clashes with Oregon State in a very intriguing rivalry game on Saturday. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best college football odds from the top sportsbooks.
NCAAF Pick: Over 50 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Oregon vs. Oregon State
Saturday, September 14, 2024 – 03:30 PM ET at Reser Stadium
Oregon Has Something to Prove
The Ducks need a statement win after two frustrating performances against lower-tier opponents like Idaho and Boise State. While securing that much-needed convincing victory won’t be easy against a tough Beavers squad, a dominant outing could reignite Oregon’s season.
Oregon’s season opener against Idaho was tighter than expected. Leading 14-0 at halftime, the Ducks held on for a 24-14 victory. Dillon Gabriel led the offense with 380 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Jordan James chipped in with 95 rushing yards and a touchdown of his own.
In their second game, the Ducks found themselves in an even tougher spot, trailing Boise State 20-14 at halftime. A spirited comeback saw them edge out a 37-34 win, with Gabriel throwing for 243 yards and two touchdowns. James added 102 rushing yards on 17 carries, while Evan Stewart had a standout day with 112 receiving yards and a touchdown on five catches.
Despite pulling off the comeback, the Ducks’ issues were glaring. They committed nine penalties, averaged just 3.1 yards per carry, and finished with a minus-2 turnover differential. It took a clutch 25-yard game-winning field goal from Atticus Sappington as time expired to escape with the victory.
Will the Oregon State Defense Regress?
Oregon State, on the other hand, has looked sharp in their opening games. They kicked off the season with a comfortable 38-15 win over Idaho State. Quarterback Gevani McCoy threw for 114 yards and a touchdown, but the Beavers’ ground game stole the show, with Jam Griffin and Anthony Hankerson combining for 315 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 44 carries.
The Beavers followed that performance with a 21-0 shutout victory against San Diego State in Week 2. McCoy passed for 181 yards and a touchdown, while Griffin and Hankerson combined for 160 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 34 carries. The Oregon State defense was suffocating, holding the Aztecs to just 179 total yards and forcing them into a woeful 2 of 13 on 3rd and 4th downs.
NCAAF Pick
At this point, it’s hard to know which version of Oregon will show up. On paper, the Ducks have the talent to compete with anyone, but inconsistency and mistakes have been their Achilles’ heel.
With Oregon’s struggles so far, the Beavers have a real shot to keep things close. But in a heated rivalry, this could be just the spark the Ducks need to hit their stride. Oregon State’s defense might not be able to sustain its early-season success, and the Ducks’ offense is due for a breakout, so the Over is appealing here.
NCAAF Pick: Over 50 (-110) at Bet365
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