We can be real about where the Oregon Ducks stand going into the first game of the 2022 season. With a matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs, the defending national champions, on a “neutral site” in Atlanta, it’s fair to say the Ducks are going to be an underdog going into the game. They have a young roster and will be led by a first-time head coach. A win would be among the best achievements in Oregon football history.
Despite that, are we sure they aren’t being undervalued going into the marquee matchup?
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This past week, Tipico Sportsbook put out its betting lines for a majority of the Week 1 games, and it listed the Ducks as a 17.5-point underdog, giving them plus-550 moneyline odds to win the game. In contrast, Georgia is listed at minus-1,000 to win the game.
Seems a bit high, no? That’s basically saying this game — one between two top-15 teams — is going to be a blowout. Despite the fact Georgia lost a majority of its historic defense from last season and had 15 players get drafted to the NFL this spring, the Bulldogs are projected to wax the Ducks.
Unfair to Oregon, or are Duck fans living outside of reality in believing that they might be able to keep things competitive with Dan Lanning’s former team?
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A lot of that depends on what happens with the quarterback position in Eugene. If Bo Nix wins the starting job, he can bring his SEC experience to the table and likely calm the rest of the youthful team, having been on that stage before. You also should look at Oregon’s defense. Health was a problem this spring, but assuming that most of those players will be able to play in September, the Ducks should stand a fighting chance, especially with Lanning and Tosh Lupoi at the helm.
While 17.5 points may be the right number, it may not be enough for an unproven Oregon team trying to take down the defending champs starting their title defense.
Or it may be a bit much, and give “glass-half-full” Duck fans a little bit of wiggle room when placing money on the game. If you’re a betting fan, it’s something to consider.
The lines, courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
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