Things are about to get a little more difficult for the Utah Utes. After finishing an undefeated non-conference schedule, the No. 18 Utes earned their highest ranking since 2010 and open Pac-12 play at defending conference champion and No. 13 Oregon. It might be anyone’s guess which quarterbacks start, as the Ducks’ Vernon Adams Jr. has a busted finger and Utah’s Travis Wilson a bum shoulder. Either way it should be a good one as Utah goes for its first win over Oregon since joining the Pac-12.
ODDS
Oregon hit the board as 14-point chalk with a total of 68.5. Apparently the Ducks haven’t wowed the betting public with the line wagered down to -11. The total also tumbled to 66.5 with word that both starting quarterbacks might not play. Oregon is 1-2 ATS this season but is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 overall.
KEY MISMATCH
Utah has vaulted to its highest ranking since 2010 due in large part to its stingy defense. The Utes will be challenged this week against the run-and-gun offense of the Ducks. But Utah coach Kyle Whittingham says his group is up to the task. The Utes are solid on D, not unlike the Michigan State team that knocked off Oregon earlier this season. They create turnovers and stuff the run with a stout front seven led by linemen Lowell Lotulelei and Hunter Dimrick and linebackers Gionni Paul and Jason Fanaika. They are also quick, which could cause problems for the Ducks’ zone blocking schemes. Utah is 27th in the nation in run defense, allowing 105.7 yards, and 35th in scoring defense at 18.3 points. They have compiled those totals against less than stellar competition, however. So this figures to be a stiff test against the eighth-ranked rushing offense.
KEY STAT
33.7 – Oregon’s points per game allowed. The Ducks rank 104th nationally and gave up 42 points to lower-division Eastern Washington in the opener. Utah averages 31 points and hasn’t scored fewer than 24 this season.
BETTING ANGLE
Everyone is aware of Oregon’s style of play, made famous by former coach Chip Kelly and continued with Mark Helfrich. The Ducks run one of the fastest-paced offenses in the country and conditioning is often an issue for opponents. Utah was right there with Oregon last season, trailing 27-20 going into the fourth quarter, but gave up 24 points in the final 15 minutes. And without Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota, the Ducks are at it again. Utah is preparing to face quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., who missed the last game with his finger injury. He’s thrown for 555 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 100 yards and a score in two games. There is a Plan B for Jeff Lockie, who started last week and threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns. The Ducks have won three straight meetings and six of seven, scoring 95 points over the past two. The Utes have lost four straight at Autzen Stadium since there last victory there in 1994.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Oregon has had problems defensively this season, mainly with its young secondary. They likely won’t be tested to the extent they were in the first three games facing a run-first oriented team that relies on do-everything back Devontae Booker. Should the Utes change their game plan and start tossing the ball that plays right into the hands of the Ducks, who want their offense on the field. The Ducks will be tested against a quick and powerful Utah defense and won’t be able to run free the way they did against EWU and Georgia State, so that will keep the score down. If Utah can force some turnovers and win the field position game, they have a shot at the upset. But the Ducks are too talented and just as fast on offense and will again wear down the Utes in the second half. Watch for Utah to cover the spread, but its losing skid to the Ducks will continue.
Oregon 37, Utah 27
The college football odds for this game were first available at BookMaker Sportsbook. The Ducks were pegged as 14-point chalk while the total opened at 68.5. Minute-by-minute spreads, totals and props are available for this game using the live betting platform at BookMaker.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The game between the Utah Utes and Oregon Ducks will start at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 26, 2015, at Autzen Stadium. The contest will be broadcast live on FOX.
