Oregon vs Boise State Odds - Broncos too good at home for Ducks
It’s NCAA football betting time, and the first week starts with a bang as perennial “BCS busters” No.14 Boise State will host No.16 Oregon. The Ducks are looking for revenge after last year, but the Broncos’ mastery on their blue turf will prove too much for the visiting Pac-10 team.
Oregon vs Boise State Odds: Broncos -5
- WHAT: NCAA football betting
- WHEN: Thursday, September 3, 10:15 PM ET
- WHERE: Bronco Stadium, Boise, ID
- KEY STAT: Boise State won 37-32 at Oregon in 2008
- PICK: Boise State
Oregon vs Boise State Odds maker breakdown: Offense Five Oregon starters are back from a unit that was seventh in the nation in 2008, and second in rushing. Pivot Jeremiah Masoli and running back LeGarrett Blount both gained over 1,000 yards on the ground, but they did lose two of their top four receivers. Boise State, who were 18th in offense last year, bring back six starters, and quarterback Kellen Moore is the first returning signal-caller in three years for the Broncos. Their top three running backs also return, with three offensive linemen as well. The receiving core is deep and experienced, and their ability to keep teams off-balance will be the key to Boise State’s NCAA football betting odds in your sportsbook. Betting Edge: Boise State
Oregon vs Boise State odds maker breakdown: Defense The Ducks were brutal on defense in 2008, coming 82nd while allowing 28.3 points per game. A secondary that was 111th in pass defense lost two starters, and they need to replace Nick Reed’s 13.5 sacks. If it wasn’t for a great pass rush, Oregon would have been destroyed last year. The Broncos were 20th in total defense, but third in points allowed, and they bring back six starters, and their top six tacklers. Boise State used a pass-rush-by-committee to come in 18th in the nation in sacks. Betting Edge: Boise State
Oregon vs Boise State odds maker breakdown: What’s on the line The Ducks have a tough NCAA football betting start to their season (three of their first four opponents had at least nine wins in 2008), and a win in a tough environment like Boise State would do a world of good for their wagering chances in the USC-dominated Pac-10. They also have revenge on their minds after the Broncos came to Eugene and beat the Ducks 37-32 last year. Oregon is the only major-conference team that the Broncos play all season, and an unbeaten season in the WAC may not be good enough if they have online betting aspirations for the BCS title. Betting Edge: Oregon
Oregon vs Boise State odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries The only major injury on either side is Boise State receiver Kirby Moore, a freshman who was due to compete for time this year, but he has a broken foot. It’s not really a big deal, though. Betting Edge: Draw
Oregon vs Boise State betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick The offenses are both talented, so the chance of a shootout is there. The key is the Oregon defense, and how much they’ve improved, if they have at all. They’ll get a stiff test from Boise State, who are balanced and as mentioned before, finally have a returning quarterback. The biggest intangible may be Bronco Stadium, the place with the blue turf where Boise State is a ridiculous 64-2 in the last 10 years, and they’ve won 49 in a row there. That kind of run isn’t luck. Go with the Ducks to make it 50 straight at home. BLAKE’S PICK: Boise State
For more sports betting tips and picks, bookmark Blake in the Betting Edge at betonline.com. For more on the Ducks vs Broncos betting matchup, check out our stats section. Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand. Thoughts or questions?
