NCAAF picks: The defending Big Ten Champion Michigan State Spartans lost some key pieces from its dominating defense last year and that does not necessarily time up well for a visit to Oregon to face a Ducks team that is a lethal scoring machine, but on the other hand still vulnerable when matching up against big bruising teams that like to play “Neanderball.”
In a classic matchup of “The Unstoppable Force vs. the Immovable Object” the Oregon Ducks (-12) will host the Michigan State Spartans at Autzen Stadium on Saturday night with coverage on FOX starting at 6:30 PM ET. Oregon will be a favorite at BetDSI for this one.
Sparty Moves On
Michigan State destroyed 1-AA Jacksonville State 45-7 at home last week as the game did little in projecting the true ability of the defending Big Ten champs. An offense that was often considered a drag on the team in 2013 may in fact be the strength of MSU for 2014 as junior QB Connor Cook, MVP of the 2013 Big Ten Championship Game, RB Jeremy Langford, who ran for over 1,400 yards last year, a talented corps of receivers, and five offensive linemen that have started at least one game area all back. The loss of six defensive starters from last year’s dominant unit remains a concern.
Ducky Opener
Oregon did what was expected of them and took apart 1-AA South Dakota 62-13 last week as they quickly opened up a 35-6 second quarter lead. The high expectations for Oregon are based on an offense that has eight starters back led by junior QB Marcus Mariota, who passed up NFL riches for a shot at the national championship. The Ducks have averaged over 45 points per game on offense the past four seasons. The defense remains a question mark although it has been historically respectable though not dominant.
Matchup and Pick
The Michigan State Spartans have been a phenomenal board value as a road team with just one loss against the spread in their last 15 away matchups as six out of their last nine away games have gone under the total. Oregon has been dangerous at Autzen Stadium however with nine payouts in their last 13 home games as five out of their last eight home games have gone over the total. Oregon covered the last two meetings in this head to head series back in 1998 and 1999. We’re duck calling for Oregon in this one with their speed and home field edge.
