The final game of the opening round of the College Football Playoff takes place in west Eugene when the 12-1 Sun Belt champion James Madison Dukes head to Autzen Stadium to play the 11-1 Oregon Ducks. The ball flies at 7:30 PM ET on TNT, and the winner will advance to the Orange Bowl to play the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
To get you ready for this playoff matchup, here are my favorite bets for James Madison vs. Oregon.
James Madison Dukes vs. Oregon Ducks Odds
Moneyline: James Madison +1000 / Oregon -2000
Spread: James Madison +21 (-115) / Oregon -21(-105)
Total: More than 46.5 (-110) / less than 46.5 (-110)
James Madison Dukes vs. Oregon Ducks Best Bet No. 1: James Madison +21 (-115)
Some would argue that James Madison doesn’t belong on the same court as Oregon, and while that may be true in a sense, this game is shaping up as one where the Dukes can hang out. Both James Madison and Oregon are methodical in their offensive approach, ranking outside the top 100 in seconds per game this season while posting top-40 rush rates since Week 9. Both teams also perform admirably on standard downs, allowing their respective offenses to produce more manageable third-down opportunities.
As such, I expect fewer possessions in this matchup compared to the average college football game, as well as a running clock for most of the game. It’s enticing enough to take the points with this big underdog in a game with a total in the mid-40s, but when you add in the playing style of each team, it makes a lot of sense to take the key number of +21.
James Madison Dukes vs. Oregon Ducks Best Bet #2: Braeden Wisloski All-Time Touchdown Scorer (+450)
If we want James Madison to cover the count, we also have to want the Dukes to score at least a touchdown or two on Saturday. The problem is that while JMU is a run-heavy team, Oregon has a great run-stopping defense. The Ducks haven’t allowed a rushing touchdown to a running back since their game against Rutgers in Week 8, and for the most part they’ve managed to contain the mobile quarterbacks. Therefore, the Dukes will have to operate through the air if they want to have any chance of covering, let alone easing the upset. That’s where Braeden Wisloski comes into the picture. The junior wide receiver’s target share is quite low, but he is making the most of his opportunities, to say the least. His four touchdowns were all scored starting in early November, and that number leads the team over that stretch.
It won’t be easy for the Dukes to get into the red zone, but if they do, they will have a great opportunity to score. Oregon ranks 126th in red zone scoring allowed, allowing 18 touchdowns on 24 opposing red zone trips. That might not even be a factor if Wisloski can break one for a long touchdown. He does have big upside, producing catches of at least 25 yards in six games despite just 20 receptions this year.
#James #Madison #Oregon #CFP #preview #picks #predictions