While the Oregon Ducks don’t know exactly who will be lining up across from them in Pasadena on New Year’s Day in the Rose Bowl, we know that it will be either the Ohio State Buckeyes or the Tennessee Volunteers.
A rematch vs. the Buckeyes would be electric for the Ducks, but it’s hard to imagine a more entertaining — and visually appealing — matchup than Oregon vs. Tennessee.
Over the next couple of weeks, we are going to be diving into both the Buckeyes and Volunteers to get a good sense of what the Ducks can expect from either team. For starters, though, we can look at what the sportsbooks think of these matchups.
Earlier this week, FanDuel Sportsbook released hypothetical odds for how things would look if the Ducks played Ohio State, and if Oregon played Tennessee.
Oregon Ducks vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Odds
Point Spread: Oregon Ducks -1.5
Over/Under: 53.5
Oregon Ducks vs. Tennessee Volunteers Odds
Point Spread: Oregon Ducks -4.5
Over/Under: 52.5
It should be no surprise that the Ducks are considered a favorite in either matchup. As the No. 1 team in the nation, the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, and the only undefeated team in all of Division 1 football, Oregon has earned its respect this season.
Earlier this year, the Ducks entered their Week 7 game against Ohio State as 3.5-point underdogs, but beat the Buckeyes at home, 32-31. Now on a neutral field, they enter as a slight favorite.
Oregon and Tennessee have not played in over a decade, with the last game coming in 2013 — a 59-14 pummeling for the Ducks at home.
Ohio State and Tennessee will square off at 5 p.m. PT on Saturday, December 21 in Columbus for a chance to go to the Rose Bowl.
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