We are quickly approaching the 2nd round of the College Football Playoff, and we have a rematch between Oregon and Ohio State looming in the Rose Bowl. Oregon is the number 1 seed, and the only undefeated team left in the FCS.
Ohio State, who lost a shocker to Michigan to miss the Big Ten Championship, is looking to avenge their loss from October. Today we’ll break down the betting odds and I’ll give you my best bet for the game.
Oregon is currently sitting as a 2.5-point underdog which is very surprising to me. Ohio State is coming off of a great win against a tough Tennesee team in the first round, but they will need to repeat that type of performance to take out the Ducks.
The Over/Under for this game is sitting at 55.5. The first matchup between these teams went far over that number, reaching 63.
It will be a tall task for Ohio State to beat Oregon, however, they have shown they can play with them and are coming off arguably their best performance of the season against Tennessee. Head Coach Ryan Day has also seemed to be a major talking point for this team.
His lack of production against Top 5 teams has been an issue. He has a 4-6 record against AP Top 5 teams and has currently dropped 4 straight to Michigan. HE will need to have his team ready to play a very well-rested Oregon Squad.
The Buckeyes are loaded with talent, but their biggest red flag on the field is their Quarterback Will Howard. Howard is a transfer from Kansas State and has shown promise this season. However, he has also shown major flaws.
Ohio State has arguably the most talented WR in College Football. Howard and the WRs shined in their game against Tennessee and Howard also had one of his best performances against the Ducks earlier in the year. If they can get their offense going early and take some stress off of Howard, they have a chance to take home a win in the Rose Bowl.
It has been an unbelievable season for the Oregon Ducks and Head Coach Dan Lanning. Transfer QB Dillon Gabriel has been a sparkplug for the Ducks and was a Heisman Finalist, albeit in a two-man race. Oregon really has been dominant this season. They have defeated 3 playoff teams in Boise State, Penn State, and Ohio State.
WR Tez Johnson and RB Jordan James have really helped Dillon Gabriel create an explosive offense for Oregon, but the real kicker for the Ducks is their defense.
They rank 9th nationally in total defense and have allowed only 16 points/per game on average. Ohio State has already put up big numbers against them, but they have a chance to show that their defense can hold up.
This game is going to be very close, and many are saying it is the top matchup of the 2nd round. I tend to agree. Both of these teams have the ability to win the national championship. However, I think Oregon has the tools to take out OSU once again.
Dillon Gabriel is a true leader for Oregon, and I think can out-dual Will Howard. I also think Oregon’s defense is going to give OSU fits. If they can stuff the run and force Will Howard to win the game, I think they have an amazing shot at winning this game.
It is hard for me to not take the Moneyline, currently at +110, but this game will be too close for comfort. Much like the first game, finishing 32-31 Oregon, I think this game will come down to the last possession.