Coming into the season, the matchup between Oregon and Ohio State was expected to be one of the biggest of the year, but injuries have put a damper on the matchup. While neither team is the juggernaut they could've been on paper, both enter Saturday as Top 25 teams, and the loser may be wiped out of the race for the College Football Playoff.
Saturday's matchup in Columbus will provide a ton of drama and has large stakes, and even in its diminished state, it's still a matchup you won't want to miss.
Oregon Ducks game day guide: Odds, weather, injury updates, and more
Oregon Vs Ohio State odds
While Oregon has more experience playing with their backup quarterback, the oddsmakers are showing more belief in the Buckeyes. Ohio State is the higher-ranked team in this matchup and is playing at home, and the odds reflect that. As of Saturday Morning, the Buckeyes are 7.5-point favorites (-112) over the Ducks at +7.5 (-108), according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Oregon is currently +230 underdogs to pull off the upset, while Ohio State is a -285 favorite. The total is set at 45.5 points (Over -105, Under -115).
All odds and lines are subject to change.
Saturday's weather forecast for Columbus, Ohio
Fans attending the game in Ohio better be prepared to dress for cold weather as temperatures will peak around 49 degrees near kickoff and hold for most of the afternoon. Wind may become a factor, with projected speeds up to 10 MPH and a 10% chance of rain throughout the afternoon.
Injury Updates
The Oregon Ducks continue to deal with injuries to key playmakers as starting running back Jordon Davison will miss the game with a lower body injury after missing the second half of the Northwestern game. The good news is that Oregon will finally get starting wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan back for the first time since Week 2, as he returns from a broken foot.
The Ohio State Buckeyes appear to be returning starting defensive back Jay Timmons, which provides a massive boost to the defense. Offensive Tackle Ian Moore came off the injury report and appears to be playing on Saturday, but wide receivers Brock Boyd and Brandon Inniss are listed as doubtful, along with linebacker Eli Lee.
Announcers
On the call for Oregon vs. Ohio State will be the CBS trio of play-by-play announcer Brad Nessler, analyst Charles Davis, and sideline reporter Jenny Taft.
Final Prediction
In a battle of backup quarterbacks, it's hard not to side with the Oregon Ducks, given all the experience that Dylan Raiola has. The Ducks have already built the offense around Raiola's strengths, while Ohio State is still adjusting to life without Julian Sayin. Regardless of which backup quarterback ends up playing best, this is likely going to be a rock fight.
Both defenses are loaded with elite talent, and both teams have shaky offensive lines, which is likely going to lead to a ton of pressure on every dropback. If the version of Dylan Raiola that showed up last week shows up in this game, Oregon could run away with it, but both defenses are going to give the quarterbacks a ton of trouble.
- Final Score: Oregon 27 - Ohio State 21
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