The AP No. 1 overall Oregon Ducks have proven they belong in the Big 10.
They enter Saturday’s Week 10 matchup unbeaten, having vanquished the Ohio State Buckeyes just a few weeks ago.
But they face a significant hurdle in the form of the Michigan Wolverines.
Despite Michigan not being the same team as last year, its defense — ranked 32nd nationally in success rate allowed — remains a formidable force.
The Ducks are elite offensively, ranking eighth among FBS squads in both rush and pass success rate.
Still, we have seen them get off to slow starts — they’re averaging just 9.3 first-quarter points on the road this year.
This road environment will be their most challenging to date.
With “The Big House” rocking, disrupting communication, and giving the Wolverines defense energy, another slow start for the Ducks is likely.
On the other side of the matchup, Michigan has been searching for answers offensively.
The Wolverines are now on their third starting quarterback of the season, Davis Warren.
However, Warren has not impressed, with three touchdowns and six picks across 91 pass attempts.
The uncertainty in the passing game has allowed opposing defenses to focus their efforts on stopping the rush — like last week, when Michigan State held Michigan to 3.8 yards per carry.
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Oregon is solid against the run, ranking 55th in rush success rate allowed, and will be able to sell out to stop the run as its secondary is excellent, and Michigan’s passing attack is unproven.
Look for these teams to trade stops early and keep this one under the first-half total.
The play: Oregon-Michigan first-half Under 23.5 (FanDuel)
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Doug Ziefel has been betting for more than a decade, and with U.S. operators in his native New Jersey since the market launched in 2018. He helps new bettors get the most out of their sportsbook promos and welcome offers for the New York Post.
