Both of these Big Ten teams are coming off dispiriting losses a week ago, and while the season isn't quite over for each program, things are hanging by a thread for each team — particularly Oregon. The Ducks were expected to be a National Championship contender prior to the season, but Oregon has already suffered two losses and will now likely need to win out in order to make the postseason. Dan Lanning's team has been a disappointment in almost every facet, and it certainly doesn't help matters that Dante Moore is expected to miss a second straight game following a concussion he suffered against USC on September 26. The Oregon offense was atrocious against UCLA last week with Dylan Raiola at the controls, and that was coming off a bye week and a strong showing against USC. With that in mind, I see no reason for the Ducks offense to suddenly become explosive against a Nebraska defense that is ranked 25th in adjusted EPA per play and 9th in success rate allowed.
On the other side, Nebraska finally stepped up in class a week ago and the Cornhuskers offense mustered up just 17 points and was very inconsistent against an Indiana defense that is a top 20 unit nationally. While I've been impressed by Nebraska's ability to run the ball, the passing game leaves a bit to be desired, and that won't get easier against an Oregon defense that appears to be finally rounding into form following a very strong showing a week ago. Look for the Ducks vaunted defensive line to continue generating pressure and forcing mistakes out of Anthony Colandrea, and I'd assume that the Cornhuskers will want to lean into their ground game as a way to keep things close and shorten the game. All things point to an under in Eugene.
Nebraska vs Oregon prediction: Under 52.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to 52 (-110).
