Pac-12 Football Picks: Predictions against the spread for Week 1

Nov 8, 2014; Cheney, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. (3) drops back for a pass against the Montana Grizzlies during the second half at Roos Field. Eastern Washington won 36-26. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Eastern Washington Eagles At Oregon Ducks

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon

The Line: No Line

It is probably best to not try to predict just how many points Oregon will put up against Eastern Washington. The Ducks run an offense that seems to be made specifically to run up the score against lesser competition. Add to the mix that former Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams is now at the helm of the Ducks’ offense, and it is easy to see why this game could get ugly, quickly. Tune in on the Pac-12 Network at 5:00 PM Saturday to see just how ugly.

Keys To The Game:

The Eagles of Eastern Washington are just looking to not get embarrassed too badly in this game. The players look forward to playing such a high profile program and being on national TV, but by the third quarter most of the road squad will just want the contest to end so they can limp home.

Oregon, meanwhile, should look to make sure that there is no extra-curricular stuff going on after the somewhat acrimonious departure of Adams from the Eagles program. Keeping their quarterback safe is top priority for this game. Look for him to play just long enough to get him quality reps before his back-ups take over.

The Prediction: 

Adams and company will be ready to play, and while the Eagles might dream of a stunning upset, the reality is that the Oregon offense grinds lesser opponents into dust. This game will get away from Eastern Washington in the first quarter, and we can only hope that cooler heads prevail in what could be an emotionally charged night. The Ducks will jump out early, but will slow down in the second half as they run to a 62-7 opening night victory.

Next: Weber State At Oregon State