Auburn vs. Oregon Prediction
Who will come away with the big win on the first weekend of college football when No. 16 Auburn and No. 11 Oregon meet up tonight at 7:30PM ET in Arlington.
Game Snapshot & Odds
207 Oregon vs. 208 Auburn
Saturday, August 31, 2019
7:30PM ET – AT&T Stadium
TV: ABC
Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new NCAAF Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Auburn is slightly favored in this game, as the Tigers are getting odds of -4 points against Oregon. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 55 points. The public betting currently has 55 percent going on Oregon as the underdog. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Malzahn facing the hot seat?
The Auburn Tigers had an 8-5 record in the 2018 season, but they were just 3-5 in the SEC last year. Auburn is entering its seventh season with Gus Malzahn as head coach. The Tigers were 6-7 against the spread last season while going 8-5 with the under.
Auburn was improved defensively last season giving up just 19.2 points and 355.4 yards per game. The defense has seven starters back this year, including all four in the secondary. Offensively, Auburn put up 30.9 points and 389.9 yards per game in 2018. They lose starting QB Jarrett Stidham and are handing over the offense to true freshman Bo Nix. Nix has some experienced receivers to work with and a veteran offensive line. He also has leading rusher JaTarvious Whitlow back to help him. Whitlow rushed for 787 yards and six touchdowns.
Ducks with preseason hype
The Oregon Ducks are hoping to get the Pac-12 back into the national spotlight. Oregon is coming off a 9-4 record in 2018 with a 5-4 record in the Pac-12. Mario Cristobal is in his second season as head coach. The Ducks were 5-8 against the spread last season and 7-5-1 with the under.
Oregon had an offense that put up 34.8 points per game and 427.2 yards per contest last season. Justin Hebert threw for 3,151 yards and 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2018 and he is back to lead the offense while being one of the top NFL Draft prospects in the country. He has to find a new top target, but has 1,000-yard rusher CJ Verdell back in the backfield and all five starting offensive linemen back. Defensively, Oregon gave up 25.4 points and 385.9 yards per game last season. The Ducks have six starters back this year, including four in the front seven.
College Football Betting Trends
Auburn
The Tigers are 4-1 in their last five games on fieldturf, but just 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games.
Oregon
The Ducks are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games in August and 1-4 ATS in their last five non-conference games.
Prediction:
Auburn has to be concerned about a freshman getting the start at QB on such a big stage today against another team that is in the national title picture to open the year. Oregon has a QB that is a top draft prospect right now and this is a big opportunity for him to solidify that spot on a national stage. If Oregon is going to be anything this season, it has to win this game. I trust Hebert to make the clutch plays at the key moments more than Nix, so I will go with the Ducks.
College Football Week 1 Prediction: Oregon +4