Utah vs Oregon
The 18th ranked Utah Utes visit the 13th ranked Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday. The 3-0 Utes have not yet announced their starting quarterback thanks to incumbent starter Travis Wilson’s uncertain injury status. If he doesn’t go, backup quarterback Kendal Thompson will get the nod.
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The Oregon Ducks are in a similar situation. Starting quarterback Vernon Adams missed last week’s 61-28 win over Georgia State due to a broken finger, and head coach Mark Helfrich has yet to publichly announce who will be under center on Saturday. If Adams doesn’t get the start, back up Jeff Lockie will get the call.
Details for Saturday’s game are below:
Date: September 26th
Start Time: 8:30pm EST
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Stadium: Autzen Stadium
TV Info: Fox
Live Stream: Fox Sports
Keys to Victory
Oregon is in its familiar spot in the total offense rankings, firmly planted in the top 10 nationally. Oregon is averaging 567 yards and scoring 50 points per game, both of which are good for ninth overall in their respective standings. Utah’s offense will need to overachieve to keep up with the Ducks. Considering the uncertainty surrounding the Utes quarterback situation, the offense will likely rely heavily upon running back Devontae Booker to produce. If the Utes fall behind early and lose the ability to run the ball, however, this is a game that could really get out of hand.
Whether Lockie or Adams gets the start at quarterback, the Ducks are an offensive machine. It may be overly simple to suggest that the Ducks can just plug-and-play quarterbacks, but not by much. Oregon is going to produce offensively no matter who is under center, and it’s going to be essential for Utah to keep the Ducks offense off the field. If this game turns into a shootout, it’s going to be an Oregon blowout.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Oregon -11.0
Moneyline: Utah +355, Oregon -425
O/U: 68.0
Prediction
Oregon is at home and has too many weapons. The margin for error for Utah is far too small to give them much of a prayer here, particularly when their options at quarterback are between healthy backup and an injured starter. Take Oregon and the points.
Final Score: Oregon 42, Utah 24
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