Nevada Wolf Pack (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS) vs. Oregon Ducks (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS), 3:30 p.m. EST, College Football Week 2, Saturday, September 10, 2011, Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon
by Scotty L, NCAA Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: Nev +27/UO -27
Over/Under: 63
Bet the UN/U of O game using your credit card at an online sportsbook that CAN and WILL get it to work for deposits and that has a generous bonus program: Intertops.
The Nevada Wolf Pack travel to West to face the Oregon Ducks on Saturday. Oregon was in tough against LSU in a rare opening week matchup of top-five teams. Turnovers really killed the Ducks’ chances—leading to 20 LSU points. The absence of standout cornerback/returner Cliff Harris was felt, both in the secondary and in special teams. A botched return led to a LSU touchdown and the Oregon secondary was compromised throughout the contest.
One could expect a good and irritated Oregon squad this week, facing Nevada. The Wolf Pack has their work cut out, having lost a slew of big playmakers that helped them enjoy their finest season ever (13-1) in 2010. It’s difficult to not have faith in head coach Chris Ault—who has led this team to 6 straight bowl berths. It still remains to be seen how well they plug up the holes that now exist.
A big part of Nevada’s success was attributed to standout QB Colin Kaepernick, who is now gone. Enter Tyler Lantrip—a talented but very differently skilled quarterback than his predecessor. He has a good arm and can move a bit, but in no way is the pass-run threat that Kaepernick represented. If he falters, there is a robust pack of talented quarterbacks in the wings—led by talented freshman Cody Fajardo. We will have to see how it all shakes out.
The loss of excellent Vai Taua, who rushed for 1600 yards, also leaves a gaping hole. RB Mike Ball certainly has talent, but he has not yet shown that he can handle a heavy workload, so question marks loom. Taua’s back-up Lampford Mark tore his ACL, so we’ll wait and see what he can bring to the table. WR Brandon Wimberly, shot in the abdomen in the off-season, also leaves a hole at receiver.
20 POINT TEASERS! 15 TEAM PARLAYS! -105 REDUCED JUICE ON STRAIGHT BETS AND TOTALS! FIND ALL THIS AND MORE AT 5DIMES!
Defensively, the Wolf Pack offers good and bad news. Their front line lost 2 key players. Players will need to step up and fill those gaps, but opponents should expect at least a slightly less-fearsome line than last season. Still, with All-WAC talent like CB Isaiah Frey and LB John Michael-Johnson returning, this defense should acquit itself well, at least in the WAC. Whether they can contain the powerful Oregon offense might be another issue altogether.
While the big guns for Oregon failed for the most part against LSU, there is no reason why they shouldn’t run over most defenses this season. QB Darron Thomas didn’t have his best game. Heisman candidate LaMichael James only ran for 54 yards on 18 rushes. WR Jeff Maehl is gone and his reliability was missed in week one. There seems to be little reason, however, to jump ship on this offense based on one game. This is still an ultra-potent offense that could conceivably run the table and be in the mix by season’s end.
The Ducks have lost 2 consecutive games going back to last season’s BCS title-game loss. In both games, they appeared to be troubled by more physical opponents. That problem doesn’t seem likely to happen again this week. Nevada is a fine team, but hardly capable of that SEC-type physicality that has troubled the Ducks in their last two contests. The recent lack of success for Oregon can produce one of two results. There is a chance they will suffer some emotional deflation. A team many were heralding as a possible national champion now faces an unenviable rebuilding process. They might not even get back to the point where a national title is in the picture. And if it is, it’s going to take a whole season to get back to that spot.
But rather than a crestfallen and discouraged Oregon team, one should expect to see a fired-up squad. They are back home with a far more manageable opponent. This is a game where Oregon could possibly exorcise the demons of their past two games and turn it loose on the Wolf Pack. We don’t exactly know what we have with Nevada yet, especially with this being their first game of the season. But my guess is they will be a depreciated version of last year’s team—still good, but probably ill-equipped to handle a team on Oregon’s level.
Scotty L’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Nevada is in a tough spot. Depleted by personnel losses in the off-season, they could struggle, particularly at the quarterback and running back positions. Their defense, also suffering from player departures, will be one step behind the electric Oregon offense. Nevada will not only be on the road with question marks surrounding their team, but will also be in the face of the frothing Oregon throng in Eugene—one of the toughest road propositions in the nation. Look for a sharper performance from Oregon this week, as they pound the Wolf Pack en route to a resounding victory. Take the Oregon Ducks minus 27 points.
Editor's Picks - Each weekend our very own in-house All-American Editor makes his NCAA point spread predictions in an attempt to force fumbles, sack and intercept your bookie!
Expert Picks - Free premium college foots plays against the spread from expert handicappers from around the web from week 1 through the National Championship.
Underdog of the Week Pick - We sort through it all and find out which University is getting "too many points" this week. If there was a Heisman Trophy for picking underdogs, we'd be a frontrunner. Expect a 57%+ winning percentage with these picks as we've got a keen ear for loud barking dogs.
Favorite of the Week Pick - Giving points means we start the game down. We're not a real big fan of betting college football favorites as it's similar to trading field goals for touchdowns but stick with us as we buck the odds each week, selecting the favored team with the best chance of covering the spread.
Over/Under of the Week - Expect great value from this pick each week as we've cashed in big on betting over/unders over the years.
Line Movement - NCAA football lines open early in the week and often times move up or down based on wagering activity, injuries to key players and weather. We decipher whether it's square or wiseguy action and predict the point spread winner based on value.
College Football Consensus Picks - We assess the public perception each week and let them pick the winners for us as we fade their selections which provides us with many trips into our bookies endzone.
Computer Picks - We enter them into the computer and the machine makes it's picks. This is a great guide especially when betting totals! These are available after the first few weeks of the season.
Trends - Despite what you have been told or read on tout sites, the trend ain't your friend. We however turn the tables and fade the almighty trend for what should be some great profits over time.
2011 College Football Predictions - Badger breaks down the top teams and lists their odds to win the 2012 BCS Championship as well. At the end he gives his pick on who thinks will win the 2012 BCS National Championship game.
2011 Heisman Trophy Predictions - The trophy is up for grabs with Cam Newton leaving for the NFL. This year's list of "Heisman Hopefuls" is a pretty balanced list and the award is truly up for grabs. Stanford Quarterback Andrew Luck is the favorite at +450 with Oklahoma Sooners QB Landry Jones not far behind at +650. Check out Jay's predictions (with analysis) to win the coveted trophy this season.
2012 BCS Championship Predictions - College football handicapper Jay Horne gives his picks on who he thinks will win the 2012 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship.
Intertops - Boasts the highest credit card acceptance rate on the internet! You also get a free $20 bet on your first deposit and their loyalty program is AWESOME as it gives you continuous bonuses as your betting handle reaches certain levels!
5Dimes - 15 team parlays! 20 point teasers! Reduced juice betting odds! Buy up to 15 points! Most props on the web!
SBG Global - Best parlay odds in the industry! Get paid 12-1 on 4-team parlays!
Heisman Trophy Betting Odds - Andrew Luck, Landry Jones, LaMichael James or ? You make the call!
Odds to Win the 2012 BCS Championship - The Oklahoma Sooners are favored to win at 4.5 to 1 but will get a run from Bama (+550), LSU (+1200) and Oregon (+1400). Check out your school's odds here!
Heisman Trophy Winners - A full list of college football quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers who have made history on the field and won the prestigious award.
The Spread - Offers scores, odds, free game predictions, current news and more!
