Nebraska at Oregon – College Football Predictions
The Game
REVENGE is a dish best served cold.
The Ducks host Nebraska this weekend in their first real test under new HC Willie Taggart. They will look to avenge last season’s 34-31 loss in Lincoln. Last week’s 77-21 tune-up win over S Utah should have them feeling confident. Meanwhile Nebraska got all they could handle from Arkansas St last week but emerged victorious.
The Details
OREGON -13.5 NEBRASKA (69.5)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Oregon -13
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Oregon 41.5 Nebraska 28
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Oregon 38 Nebraska 37
The Match-Up
Oregon offense vs Nebraska defense
The Ducks lit up S Utah last week for 700 yards of total offense and were almost perfectly balanced (348 rush, 355 pass). QB Justin Herbert looked really good and the running game was it’s usual devastating self. Even without last season’s #1 WR Darren Carrington the Ducks still managed to effectively MATRICULATE in the passing game. The Huskers were ripped apart through the air last week to the tune of 415 yards. We like that Nebraska saw the Ducks last season notwithstanding the fact that this is not the same offense. We do not have a great feeling about the Cornhusker defense and would be surprised if the Ducks don’t get into the 40s.
Nebraska offense vs Oregon defense
This is what makes this game interesting. Oregon yielded over 40 points and 500 yards of offense last season, so even with a great new DC, it is also hard to see the Huskers not moving the ball really well. New QB Tanner Lee looked pretty good last week throwing over 30 passes without an INT and RB Tre Bryant is an EMERGING WEAPON (192 yards on the ground in week 1). If the Huskers can stay balanced and do well on third downs this game could get very interesting. Of course it remains to be seen how Tanner Lee does in a tough road environment.
MEGA MENTIONS
Nebraska HC Mike Riley is very familiar with playing in the state of Oregon given his time with the Beavers…..Oregon is just 2-6 ATS in their last six home games.
Summary
This game has the potential to be another classic as long as the Huskers don’t crap the bed with turnovers. As you know we are very high on the Ducks and feel like they are just going to have too much for the Nebraska defense to handle. Nebraska will get some shots in but we still think a double digit Oregon win is the most likely outcome.
Conclusion
We wanted Oregon at any number lower than 10. Too bad for us. Will have to take a pass but will probably bag Oregon TT over for small potatoes.