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The big game of the weekend is no doubt Ohio State vs. Oregon. Both teams come into this one 5-0.
The line has moved from Buckeyes -4 to -3.
Sagarin suggests a line of Ohio State -2.5, suggesting a bit of an overlay here.
Our model has the underdog performing quite well in this scenario and that would be the Ducks.
What's at Stake
After last weekend's college football chaos, Saturday's game between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Oregon became one of the most significant matchups of the regular season. The two teams are among just nine undefeated teams among Power Four schools. The game will be the first time that two top-five teams meet at Autzen Stadium. Oregon won the last meeting with the Buckeyes 35-28 in Columbus in 2021, but Ohio State won the nine previous matchups.
Key Matchup
Ohio State leads the nation in total defense, allowing opponents only four touchdowns collectively and an average of just 202.4 yards offense per game. Oregon has been averaging 458.8 offensive yards a game with 20 touchdowns. For the Ducks to have a chance they'll have to lean on the experience of quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a transfer this season from Oklahoma, who has thrown for 1,449 yards and 11 touchdowns and leads the nation in completion percentage.
Winners and Whiners Prediction
This will be the first proper test for both Ohio State and Oregon. These two teams have dominated their rivals so far this season. The Ducks narrowly defeated Boise State 37-34 in Week 2 but have been unstoppable since then. The Buckeyes have tortured each of their five opponents thus far.
Last week, the Buckeyes dropped 35 points on Iowa, and the Hawkeyes’ defense is not a chopped liver. Iowa is a top 25 team in the country in points allowed, total yards allowed, and rushing yards allowed, and the Buckeyes were moving the chains with ease.
I like the Buckeyes in this game. Their receiving corps might be the best in the country. They have a top-notch one-two punch in the backfield, and their defense has been nothing short of spectacular through the first five weeks of the season. I think the Ducks will have to play a perfect game to avoid a loss despite the home-field advantage.
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