College Football Futures: The Oregon Ducks posted their third consecutive 12 win season last year under first year head coach Mark Helfrich but it all seemed a bit underwhelming as they lost to Stanford for the second consecutive season and were later shell shocked in a 42-16 loss at Arizona. But with junior QB Marcus Mariota leading the eight returning starters on one of the most prolific offenses in the history of college football, the Ducks must be considered for a serious run at a championship. Oregon opened as a 7/1 choice to win the BCS national championship with an over under win total of 10.5 -130. The Ducks opened as a 6/5 choice to win the Pac 12 championship and were at 1 to 2 to win the Pac 12 North Division.
Force ‘O’ Nature
The Ducks offense is terrifying at times and has averaged at least 45 points per game the past four seasons and that number in fact should have been higher but Helfrich and his predecessor Chip Kelly have taken their foot off the gas in games in which 100 points seemed attainable. Leading rusher Byron Marshall joins Mariota, who had a sparkling 31/4 TD/INT ratio last year.
Handicapper’s Notes
Oregon’s reputation with the betting public as a scoring machine has eroded their home betting value where they have covered the spread in just 6 out of their last 15 games at Autzen Stadium. Oregon has paid out in 10 out of their last 12 games as a road favorite and has been a reliable commodity after a straight up win with a mark of 56-34 ATS since 2004.
Our Prognosis
Helfrich should have a better handle on things this year after his on the job training of 2013. We see Oregon winning the Pac 12 title and advancing to the Final Four as a BCS playoff team!
