This week’s game between the No. 18 Utah Utes (3-0) and the No. 13 Oregon Ducks (2-1) has the makings of a pivotal matchup. This game will feature the nation’s fourth-leading rusher, Royce Freeman (373 yards, 5 TDs). It starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sep 26 and will air on FOX.
Oregon routed Georgia State 61-28 last week. Royce Freeman had an outstanding performance on the ground in the win, gaining 101 yards and one TD on 10 carries. Taj Griffin added 56 yards and a TD on 14 attempts. Not to be outdone, Utah cruised past Fresno State 45-24 in its matchup. Devontae Booker had a big game on the ground for the Utes, rushing for 156 yards and two TDs on 31 carries. He added 56 yards on five receptions.
Oregon is a 14-point favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment.
The Ducks enter the game with records of 2-1 Straight Up (SU) and 1-2 Against The Spread (ATS) this season. They come into the game with the ninth-ranked scoring offense in the nation, averaging 50.0 points per game. The Ducks run the ball frequently. They rush 51 times per game, which is the 11th best in the nation. Oregon’s scoring defense, which allows 33.7 points per game, will have a chance to build upon its numbers against the Utes. Oregon usually finishes games strong, averaging 11.7 points in the fourth quarter. On special teams, Oregon has some playmakers. They average 163.3 return yards per game, sixth in Division I.
On the other side, the Utes have a record of 2-1 ATS and 3-0 SU. The Utes usually find their targets in the passing game, owning the fifth-best completion percentage in the nation at 74.1%. Shifting to the other side of the ball, the Utah defense can dominate if they take advantage of some favorable matchups. If the Ducks aren’t careful with ball security against Utah’s defense, they are going to be in some trouble. Its defense has recovered the 22nd-most fumbles on the season with one per game. Don’t be surprised to hear lots of calls against the Ducks when they take the field. Oregon is among the most penalized teams in the country, receiving an average of eight penalties per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – Oregon, ATS Winner – Utah
Notes
Oregon is 17-3 SU in its last 20 games.
Oregon is 19-2 SU in its last 21 games at home.
Oregon is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Utah.
Utah is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oregon.
Utah is 3-0 SU when leading at the start of the 4th quarter this season. Oregon is 2-0 SU when carrying a lead into the fourth quarter.
Among all FBS teams, the Oregon offensive passing game is ranked 48th in the nation, while the Utah pass defense is only ranked 98th. The Utes passing attack is ranked 108th, compared to the 119th-ranked pass defense of the Ducks.
According to overall FBS team rankings, Oregon is rated higher in the ground game on both sides of the ball. Its eighth-ranked rushing attack will face the 27th-ranked run defense of Utah, while its 53rd-ranked rush defense will look to contain the 69th-ranked running game of the Utes.
Utah has allowed 18.3 points per game this year, which is ranked only 58th in the country. Oregon has scored 50.0 points per contest this year and is ranked eighth overall.
