The college football season rolls along this week with a number of notable matchups across the Power 4 and Group of 6 ranks. The Big Ten plays host to a game between two proud programs, as we’ll see the Michigan Wolverines take on the Oregon Ducks in a game that suddenly means an awful lot for the hosts.
Michigan enters this game off a horrific loss at the hands of its in-state rival, while Oregon pulled off a stunner on the road in what ended up being a thoroughly dominant victory over Ohio State after falling behind 14-0. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for Saturday’s college football game between Michigan and Oregon.
Oregon is a 10.5-point favorite for this matchup with the total listed at 38.5 at DraftKings Sportsbook. Let’s dig into the odds and my best bet on Saturday’s matchup, and don’t miss our complete coverage of all of the Week 11 college football action at DraftKings Network.
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Michigan vs. Oregon Prediction
These are a pair of teams that appear to be heading in opposite directions heading into this week. Michigan has been a colossal disappointment in Kyle Whittingham’s first season in Ann Arbor, and it’s increasingly likely that the Wolverines will miss a bowl game given their upcoming schedule (Oregon, UCLA and Ohio State).
It’s been a disastrous season at the quarterback position, as both Bryce Underwood and Tommy Carr have struggled mightily in their time under center. Offensive coordinator Jason Beck was fired following an embarrassing showing against Michigan State, but it’s hard to see there being much of a dead cat bounce this week. The Wolverines have their work cut out for them against a Ducks defense that is playing with confidence and is up to 3rd nationally in adjusted EPA per play.
Oregon’s secondary is among the best in the nation and Michigan’s passing game doesn’t have the separators or quarterback to challenge a group that has gotten better as the year has gone on. Elsewhere, the Ducks defensive line has rounded into form in recent weeks and they look like the group that was advertised as the best in the Big Ten heading into the season. Both young quarterbacks could be in real trouble in one of the toughest environments in the nation.
On the other side of the ball, the Oregon offense has looked like a functional, competent unit with new offensive coordinator Jay Johnson at the controls. Dylan Raiola is gaining confidence under center and the Ducks are finally healthy at wide receiver, with Jeremiah McClellan back in the slot alongside the sensational duo of Dakorien Moore and Evan Stewart. As long as Raiola can avoid the critical mistake, Oregon should be able to do enough against a Michigan defense that has to be pretty deflated after the last few weeks.
Michigan vs Oregon Best Bet
From a situational perspective, I can understand the impulse to at least give Michigan a look given the change at offensive coordinator and the massive result for Oregon a week ago. However, it’s hard to see the Wolverines mustering up the offense needed to stay in this game, having averaged just 14 points over their last six games. When factoring in one of the best home field edges in the nation and a cross-country road trip, I can only look toward the Ducks in this matchup.