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Utah vs Oregon preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 19, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Dwayne Stanford (88) runs the ball against the Georgia State Panthers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Dwayne Stanford (88) runs the ball against the Georgia State Panthers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /
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No. 18 Utah Utes vs. No. 13 Oregon Ducks

A year ago, Utah was playing for a shot to go up two touchdowns at home in the first quarter against No. 4 Oregon, but Kaelin Clay was caught celebrating too early, dropping the ball at the one-yard line to showboat after thinking he’d scored, but it was returned 100 yards for a score that really changed the tide of the game. The Utes are hoping for better luck in this one.

Oregon is coming into this one looking for somewhat of a rebound after a difficult week two loss against No. 5 Michigan State on the road. It’s still relatively unclear whether Vernon Adams Jr. or Jeff Lockie will start in this one, making the game-planning that much more difficult for the Utes, but they are still unsure about Travis Wilson’s as well.

Details for Saturday’s game are below:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Location: Eugene, OR
Stadium: Autzen Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Live Stream: WatchESPN app
Radio: For Utah radio affiliates, click here. For Oregon radio affiliates, click here.
Ticket information: For ticket info, click here.

Keys to Victory

Oregon Ducks

No matter who starts at quarterback for the Ducks, Lockie or Adams Jr., will most likely play well enough to give Oregon a chance to win. Utah’s pass defense has struggled this season, so that means the Ducks will be the same old Ducks on Saturday night. Royce Freeman will need to do his thing in order for Oregon’s offense to really keep Utah on its feet. Start with the run to open the pass game

The other key for the Ducks is the ability of their defense to slow down the impressive run game led by Devontae Booker who has already rushed for 345 yards and four touchdowns this year. The offense isn’t as much based on a strong passing attack for the Utes as it is on a solid run game. Oregon’s run defense ranks just 53rd in the country, so that will need to improve in this one.

Utah Utes

As previously stated, Oregon has a solid passing attack no matter who is under center, but the Utes have one of the worst pass defenses in the country. If Utah is going to hope for a huge road upset victory, the secondary will need to step up big time.

Booker needs to have some success in the run game because the Ducks are known for giving up big runs — just look at the Michigan State game. Booker is averaging just 4.1 yards per carry this season, but that will definitely increase after this game. With the uncertainty of who will be starting at quarterback for the Utes, the run game will need to step up.

Betting Odds

Point Spead: Oregon -11.5
Moneyline: Oregon -440, Utah +370
O/U: 64.5

Prediction

Oregon’s defense will have no issue stopping the mediocre passing attack of the Utes, but will struggle to slow down the bruising senior running back, Devontae Booker. However, it will do just enough to hold the Utes to just 14 points until a garbage time touchdown.

Vernon Adams Jr. will end up starting and playing well, but it will be Royce Freeman who really steps up. Adams will finish with over 200 yards through the air, but Freeman will approach that same mark on the ground, adding three scores of his own.

Final Score: Utah 21, Oregon 35

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