As the 2024 college football season heats up, the Week 2 matchup between Boise State and No. 7 Oregon is shaping up to be one of the weekend's most intriguing games.
After narrowly escaping an upset in their opener, the Ducks are eager to prove they’re still a powerhouse contender, while Boise State looks to build on their strong start.
With both teams sitting at 1-0, this clash on Saturday, September 7th at Autzen Stadium promises high stakes and plenty of action.
Oregon enters Week 2 as a heavy favorite, with a spread set at -19.5. While this number might seem large, especially after the Ducks’ closer-than-expected win against Idaho in Week 1, there are compelling reasons to back Oregon to cover.
Despite the scare against Idaho, Oregon's performance was more dominant than the score suggests. The Ducks outgained the Vandals by over 250 yards, and the 24-14 final score was a result of untimely mistakes rather than a lack of execution.
Dillon Gabriel, making his debut at quarterback, was highly efficient, completing 41 of 49 passes for 380 yards. However, Oregon struggled to generate explosive plays, something that could change against Boise State's suspect defense.
Boise State, on the other hand, showcased their offensive firepower in their opener, particularly through junior running back Ashton Jeanty, who exploded for 267 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
However, the Broncos’ defense, which was a major concern last season, continued to show vulnerabilities by allowing Georgia Southern to score 45 points and rack up over 500 yards of offense. This porous defense is likely to be exploited by an Oregon offense looking to rebound and find its rhythm.
Oregon’s defensive line, bolstered by transfers from Houston and Michigan State, should pose significant problems for Boise State’s offensive line. If the Ducks can apply consistent pressure and force Boise State to abandon the run, they could control the game and cover the 19.5-point spread.
The total points line for this game is set at 60.5 and the Over looks like a strong play given the offensive capabilities of both teams and the defensive issues that have been apparent for Boise State early on.
Oregon's offense, despite the Week 1 struggles, has the potential to be one of the most efficient in the nation.
With Gabriel at the helm and a stable of talented receivers, the Ducks are well-equipped to exploit Boise State’s weak secondary.
Expect Oregon to focus on improving their passing game design and getting their explosive receivers open in more space, which could lead to quick scoring drives and a high point total.
On the other side, Boise State's offense, led by Jeanty, is built to control the tempo. While Oregon's defense is solid, Boise State’s ability to run the ball effectively and mix in play-action passes should allow them to put up points, even if they’re playing from behind.
Given the offensive firepower on display and the defensive weaknesses, especially on Boise State's side, Over 60.5 points is an appealing option for bettors.
Read more betting picks and predictions for College Football on site.
Boise State | +750 ML |
Oregon | -1200 ML |
Spread | Oregon -19.5 |
Total Points | O/U 60.5 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.