It took eight convincing wins to finally capture the top spot in the Bowl Championship Series rankings, but for number-one Oregon, there is an understanding that it will take just one loss for everything they have built this season to crumble. After watching four number-one teams lose their spots in the past five weeks, the Ducks are primed to make a statement in their debut as the top-ranked team in the country, welcoming the Washington Huskies to Eugene this Saturday.
Washington Huskies @ Oregon Ducks
Saturday November 6, 2010 – 3:30 PM ET
Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon
Online Sports Betting Odds: Oregon - 36
The Huskies are coming off consecutive college football betting losses to number-18 Arizona and number-13 Standford that dropped their record to 2-3 in the conference, but now get the toughest team of them all in Oregon. A 35-34 double overtime win over number-24 Oregon State now seems like nothing more than a distant memory, and the Huskies may need a miracle to keep this one close.
NCAA Football Betting Preview: Washington
Potential NFL betting first round pick Jake Locker didn’t help his stock in last weekend’s 41-0 shutout loss to Stanford, completing just seven passes for 64 yards while throwing away two interceptions. Locker was outplayed by Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck, and will need to regain his confidence in a hurry in order to help the Huskies avoid a second straight blowout loss. The running game will need to be better as well however, as Chris Polk has struggled to get much going in recent weeks. Part of the problem has been the offensive line, which has been inconsistent all year, and those issues may come down to talent and depth more than anything else. The Huskies have allowed an average of 34.1 points per game this year, which doesn’t inspire confidence heading in to a game against the top-ranked offense in the country.
NCAA Football Betting Preview: Oregon
A 52-32 win over rivals USC served as the metaphorical passing of the torch for the recognition to the Trojans as the best team in the conference. The Ducks’ high-powered offense steamrolled through the USC defense with LaMichael James showing the nation how he has averaged a phenomenal 7.1 yards per carry and 14 touchdowns this year. Meanwhile, quarterback Darron Thomas continues to provide Oregon with the dual-threat option from under center with 23 combined touchdowns. The Ducks have just one ranked opponent left on their schedule in number-15 Arizona, and will be tough to stop now four wins away from clinching the conference and BCS title game spot.
The Match Up: Washington @ Oregon
While 36 points is a lot to give any team, the Ducks are on a sportsbook bonus mission and given what the Cardinal were able to do to Washington, it doesn’t seem unreasonable for the spread to be so high. Oregon’s offense will smash through the Huskies defense both on the ground and through the air, and by the time this one is over the Ducks will be three wins away from a national title shot.
BSN Sports Pick: Oregon – 36
