The No. 12 Oregon Ducks and No 3 Georgia Bulldogs open their seasons in a marquee matchup Saturday in Atlanta from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Oregon vs. Georgia odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
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Last year, the Ducks beat then-No. 3 Ohio State in the 2nd week of the season. This year, they’ll look to do the same in their season opener against the No. 3 Bulldogs.
Coming off a 10-win season, the Ducks will be led by Auburn QB transfer Bo Nix. Returning 5 of their 6 offensive linemen, they will look to score early and often in a game that will surely be one of their biggest tests of the season.
Alongside the new quarterback will be new coach Dan Lanning, the former defensive coordinator of the Bulldogs. Keep an eye out for sophomore WR Seven McGee to make some big plays and help propel the Ducks to victory during the season.
The 2021 national champion Bulldogs will look to pick up where they left off. After losing 15 of their starters to the NFL Draft – including 5 first rounders – some may think this team will not have the same firepower and strength as it did last season.
Make no mistake, Georgia still remains one of the powerhouses in recruiting thanks to coach Kirby Smart. Although the Bulldogs will have a drastically different look, they will still be a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball.
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Oregon at Georgia odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:11 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Oregon +550 (bet $100 to win $550) | Georgia -800 (bet $800 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Oregon +16.5 (-105) | Georgia -16.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 53.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Oregon at Georgia picks and predictions
Prediction
Georgia 38, Oregon 23
Money line
PASS.
Sure, in his 3 games against Georgia while at Auburn, Nix was 0-3. So, needless to say, Smart has a good idea how to game plan for the opposing QB.
Plus, the Bulldogs were 13-1 straight up as favorites last season, and they will continue that trend in Week 1. As much as I like Georgia to win, I can’t wager on a -800 favorite. The risk is not worth the reward.
Against the spread
While Georgia will most likely take this game with ease, I am leaning OREGON +16.5 (-105).
The spread is just a bit too high to feel comfortable taking the Bulldogs. They were only 4-4 ATS as 17-plus point favorites last season, and the Ducks have enough offensive weapons to keep this within 2 possessions.
Over/Under
The OVER 53.5 (-115) is worth a play.
Last season the Bulldogs scored an average of 50.9 points per game while the Ducks averaged 57.7 PPG.
Obviously neither team will surpass those numbers in this game, but both are highly skilled on the offensive side of the football.
This will be a highly anticipated matchup between Nix and Georgia QB Stetson Bennett. Look for both to be on their A-game. Expect a high-pace Oregon side to try to force its way, regardless of whether or not it comes out on top.
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