The Oregon Ducks got a late call from the Pac-12 Conference asking if they could fill in for the Washington Huskies in the league championship game. Washington had to bow out due to the pandemic. Oregon made the most of the opportunity that fell into their lap. The Ducks upset the USC Trojans as 3-point road dogs 31-24 to become Pac-12 champs. Meanwhile, the Iowa State Cyclones were reaching new heights. ISU made the Big 12 championship game for the first time in program history. However, the Oklahoma Sooners were old hands at the Big 12 title game and their experience showed in a 27-21 win as 5-point favorites. Iowa State and Oregon will meet Saturday in the Fiesta Bowl.
2021 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
Matchup: Oregon Ducks vs. Iowa State Cyclones
When: Saturday, January 2, 2021, 4 p.m. ET
Where: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
TV: ESPN
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Oregon Ducks +4.5
Iowa State Cyclones -4.5
Total: 57.5
Oregon vs. Iowa State BookMaker Wagering Analysis
Sharps are licking their chops for this one as Oregon rates in the power dog class against a quality but not great Iowa State team. Many handicappers believe that the wrong team is favored in this one. Further, the Ducks win over USC impressed the masses. Iowa State is still not fully accepted as being of New Year’s Six Bowl chalk caliber. To most gamblers, the Cyclones are “new money.” While the Ducks are remembered as Rose Bowl winners over Wisconsin one year ago.
Oregon Subs as Pac-12 Conference Champion
The Oregon Ducks are 4-2 straight up, 3-3 against the spread, and 3-3 on totals. Oregon ranks 30th for scoring offense and 55th for points allowed.
In the Pac 12 championship game, the Ducks jumped out to a 14-0 lead and were never headed. USC outgained Oregon 358 to 243 in total yards and held a 25 to 16 first down advantage. However, the Ducks forced 3 Trojan turnovers that proved to be the difference.
This was a transition season for the Ducks following the departure of mainstay quarterback Justin Herbert, who was a first-round draft pick of the LA Chargers. Sophomore Tyler Shough posted a solid 162.2 QB rating with 9.4 yards per pass and 13 touchdown passes.
Junior running back Travis Dye kept defenses honest with 7.0 yards per rush. While sophomore Devon Williams averaged 20.3 yards per reception with 2 touchdowns.
When the Auburn Tigers head coaching job opened up Oregon rushed to extend and raise Mario Cristobal. Cristobal has proven to be an ace recruiter at Oregon.
Cyclones Blow Big 12 Championship in Dream Season
Iowa State’s loss to Oklahoma can’t take away from what was a landmark achievement for their program. The Cyclones are 8-3 straight up, 6-5 against the spread, and 4-7 under the total. ISU ranks 36th in the nation for scoring offense and 29th for points allowed.
In the loss to Oklahoma, the Cyclones were uncharacteristically self-destructive with a -3-turnover margin. ISU outgained OU 435 to 392 in total yards.
Ironically this greatest season ever for the Cyclones was not the best for quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy finished with a 143.5 QB rating, 18 touchdown passes, and 9 interceptions. Instead, the team star was Breece Hall, who ran for 1436 yards, 5.9 yards per rush, and 19 touchdowns.
Iowa State coach Matt Campbell is one of the hottest properties in the country. Yet he prefers to stay at a program that he built in his own image.
Oregon vs. Iowa State BookMaker Free Pick
In this situation, Oregon is a quality championship dog that could win this game straight up.
Oregon vs. Iowa State BookMaker Best Bet: Oregon Ducks
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