No one has come close to beating Oregon this season, but the Ducks take a big step up in class this week with a trip to Washington.
It’s Oregon’s third game against Pac-12 competition, but its previous two in-conference foes – California and Colorado – aren’t exactly world beaters. Oregon covered 38- and 38.5 point spreads in those games.
A road game against Washington presents a much stiffer test. The Huskies have wins over Boise State, Illinois and Arizona, and a near-miss at Stanford. Washington covered the 9-point spread in its 31-28 loss to the Cardinal and had the ball with a chance to tie or win with just under two minutes left.
The Wynn sports book opened Oregon as a 14.5-point favorite for next week's tilt, by far the shortest number the Ducks have laid all season. Sharps saw value on the underdog at this price, though, and took Washington plus the points. John Avello, vice-president of the race and sports book at the Wynn, moved the line down to 14.
“The sharp money that’s been coming in on the early numbers, they think they’re getting value, but by the end of the week, they could be getting that money plus,” Avello told The Linemakers on Sporting News Monday afternoon. “All these teams like the Florida States and the Clemsons and all those teams, they’re getting bet by the general public come later on the day of the game.”
Look for that pattern to continue this week when it comes to Oregon, as Avello anticipates money on the favorite pushing the line higher.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for the Oregon team, but this will be what looks like their toughest competition so far, but who knows? Everybody else they’ve manhandled so far,” Avello said.
He added that he has a few concerns regarding Washington in this spot. “Did that game against Stanford take anything out of them? ... And, if Oregon gets two or three touchdowns quick, it’s over – I mean, they’ll bury ‘em.”
For our entire college football opening line report, visit The Linemakers on Sporting News.