The Oregon Ducks aim to maintain their perfect record as they head to Wisconsin to face the Badgers on Saturday. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best college football odds from the top sportsbooks.
NCAAF Pick: Oregon -14 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Oregon vs. Wisconsin
Saturday, November 16, 2024 – 07:30 PM ET at Camp Randall Stadium
Oregon Cruised Past Maryland
Dillon Gabriel set an NCAA record for total career touchdowns in Oregon’s 39-18 victory over Maryland last Saturday, reinforcing their undefeated status.
Gabriel threw for 183 yards and three touchdowns, securing the Ducks’ 14th consecutive home win. His three-yard touchdown pass to offensive lineman Gernorris Wilson in the second half pushed his career total to 179 touchdowns, surpassing Case Keenum’s mark of 178 (155 passing, 23 rushing) from 2007 to 2011 at Houston.
Gabriel capped off the night with an additional touchdown pass.
Oregon was without wide receiver Tez Johnson, who injured his shoulder in their 38-17 win over Michigan on November 2.
Head coach Dan Lanning commented on Johnson’s absence:
“I’m gonna tell you the same thing I always tell you,” Lanning said. “As soon as they’re ready to go, we’ll have them out there. We’re going to put player safety first. Tez will be down, certainly, right now in the near future, but I do anticipate us getting Tez back here soon.”
Traeshon Holden stepped up in Johnson’s absence, following a standout performance against Michigan with 149 yards on six catches. He briefly left the Maryland game in the first half with an apparent lower leg injury but returned to contribute.
Gabriel’s career stats now include 147 passing touchdowns, 32 rushing touchdowns, and one touchdown reception. Lanning noted the team’s sluggish offensive start and was concerned about the 12 penalties for 95 yards that hindered their performance.
Wisconsin’s Offensive Challenges at Iowa
Wisconsin fell to Iowa in a 42-10 road loss on November 2. The Badgers initially took the lead with Nathanial Vakos’ 38-yard field goal but did not score again until Braedyn Locke connected with CJ Williams for a 14-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Locke finished the game completing 15 of 29 passes for 137 yards.
Wisconsin’s offense struggled after their opening 12-play, 59-yard drive that resulted in Vakos’ field goal. Over their next six possessions, they managed just 67 total yards and were unable to respond to Iowa’s dominance on both sides of the ball.
Keys to the Game
Gabriel’s precise passing has been crucial for Oregon. Wisconsin’s defense, vulnerable after conceding 42 points to Iowa, will need to improve coverage to disrupt Gabriel’s rhythm and limit key targets like Holden.
Wisconsin’s offense has struggled with consistency, managing just one scoring drive against Iowa and facing challenges against a pressure-focused Oregon defense. Oregon’s 12 penalties for 95 yards in their Maryland win indicate a potential area Wisconsin could exploit, but the Badgers must play error-free football to take advantage.
NCAAF Pick
Oregon’s potent offense, led by Gabriel, should give them the edge in this matchup. Wisconsin’s struggles on offense, particularly in sustaining drives and moving the ball effectively, may limit their ability to keep pace. Expect Oregon to capitalize on Wisconsin’s vulnerabilities, especially if the Ducks can minimize penalties and play clean football.
NCAAF Pick: Oregon -14 (-110) at Bet365
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