Oregon LSU Betting – Tigers Roar, “D” Shuts Down Ducks
Sports betting players get a huge matchup to kick off the NCAA football season on Saturday as Oregon and LSU meet in Dallas in a game that will shake up the rankings in Week 1. Both teams have had some problems in the offseason, and LSU’s troubles have been more recent, but the Tigers’ defense will be the story in Big “D”.
What: NCAA Football Betting
When: Saturday, September 3rd, 8:00 PM ET
Where: Cowboys Stadium, Dallas, TX
Pick: LSU Tigers +4
Why Bet On Oregon Ducks
The No.3 Ducks are ready to begin another run to the BCS title game after falling to Auburn in 2010, and they’re powered by an offense that doesn’t like to waste any time, running plays at an electric pace while the opposing defense is still trying to catch their breath. Quarterback Darron Thomas calls the signals, but running back LaMichael James runs the show from the backfield because he has the ball, the other team has to take notice. The defense showed some pride in the loss to Auburn as everyone was talking about their offense and the strength of the Auburn defense, but the Ducks proved that they could hang with a physical SEC team. The secondary is loaded in terms of talent and depth, which is always good in the pass-happy Pac-12.
The major concern for Oregon when it comes to their NCAA football betting chances is their offensive line, which lost three starters and head coach Chip Kelly has been playing with some different combinations. It doesn’t matter how fast the Ducks run plays and how good Thomas and James are, if they don’t get any protection, Oregon aren’t going to reach the same heights as last year. The Ducks are also lacking in receivers, which means their spread offense could be predictable as they lean heavily on the run.
Why Bet On LSU Tigers
Under head coach Les Miles, the No.4 Tigers have been one of the best defensive teams in the country and this year should be no different as seven starters are back. The Tigers are so good defensively that losing All-American cornerback Patrick Peterson won’t make a difference because LSU is deep in the secondary. LSU comes at you with some strange blitz packages to confuse quarterbacks, and you’re going to see a very active unit on Saturday night. Keep an eye on Karnell Hatcher, who was a victim of the numbers game in the secondary, but has since been converted to a linebacker and he could be the difference in shutting down the Oregon running game.
The defense has to hold up because an offense that was going to struggle anyway just got worse with the suspensions of quarterback Jordan Jefferson and receiver Russell Shepard, who are both suspended. That means Jarrett Lee takes over for Jefferson, who didn’t inspire much confidence in LSU fans, but Lee absolutely terrifies the Tiger faithful. LSU was lacking in receivers in the first place, which means that running back Spencer Ware will be the focal point of the offense. This could work out as the Tigers need to grind out a win over the Ducks because they won’t win in a shootout.
How It Will Play Out
NCAA football betting odds have the Ducks as a 4-point favorite in their first meeting with the Tigers, who may have a slight edge in terms of fan support just based on proximity to Dallas. However, that won’t make a big difference because the Oregon fans travel heavy as well. These two teams are connected through Will Lyles, who made waves in the offseason with his recruiting services, and both teams are being investigated by the NCAA, another subplot to an already fascinating game.
We’re going with an upset and taking the Tigers, because Oregon’s offensive line won’t be able to stop LSU from invading their backfield. Miles is also one of the best motivators in the country and even though he makes some strange choices (especially when it comes to clock-management), Miles may have stolen two or three games that the Tigers didn’t deserve to win in 2010. Many are counting the Tigers out because of their recent legal problems, and you know Miles is using that in practice this week. In a battle of offense versus defense, we’ll take defense nine times out of 10. Wager on LSU in your online betting picks.
Oregon LSU Betting Pick: LSU Tigers +4
