No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes at No. 3 Oregon Ducks: A Top-Three Showdown in Eugene
This Saturday, October 12th, college football fans are in for a treat as No. 2 Ohio State travels to Eugene to face No. 3 Oregon in a primetime clash at Autzen Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM EST, and ESPN’s College GameDay will be on hand to capture the electric atmosphere.
Ohio State is favored by 3 with a total of 53.5 (BetOnline Sportsbook)
Historical Context:
This matchup marks only the 11th meeting between these two programs, with Ohio State holding a dominant 9-1 all-time record. However, Oregon pulled off a memorable 35-28 upset in their last encounter in Columbus back in 2021. Adding to the significance, this game represents the highest-ranked matchup ever at Autzen Stadium, and only the second time in the last 30 years that two top-six teams have faced off in Eugene.
The Stakes:
Both teams enter the game with undefeated 5-0 records, including 2-0 marks in Big Ten play. A win for either side would not only solidify their position in the College Football Playoff race but also provide a crucial head-to-head advantage in the conference standings.
On the Field:
- Ohio State Offense vs. Oregon Defense: The Buckeyes boast the nation’s fourth-ranked scoring offense, averaging 46 points per game. Quarterback Will Howard has been efficient, completing 75% of his passes with 12 touchdowns. Ohio State’s rushing attack, averaging 222.2 yards per game, will test an Oregon defense that has been stingy against the pass but hasn’t faced a rushing attack of this caliber.
- Oregon Offense vs. Ohio State Defense: Oregon’s receiving corps is considered one of the most talented in the country, posing a significant challenge for an Ohio State secondary that has yet to face a top-tier passing offense. The Ducks will need to establish their own running game to keep the Buckeyes’ defense honest.
Key Factors:
- Home Field Advantage: Autzen Stadium is known for its raucous atmosphere, which could give Oregon an edge.
- Travel: Ohio State is traveling west for its first West Coast game since 2013. History suggests that teams traveling across multiple time zones have struggled in the new Big Ten.
- Turnovers: In a game of this magnitude, turnovers could be decisive.
Expert Analysis:
While Oregon has many of the hallmarks of a classic home underdog pick, the numbers favor Ohio State. The Buckeyes have a significant advantage in yards per rush attempt differential and yards per point allowed. Our score prediction model projects a 23-10 Ohio State victory.
Our Picks:
- Ohio State -3:
- Ohio State/Oregon UNDER 54:
This game promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the nation’s best teams. Tune in Saturday night to see who comes out on top.