Oregon vs. Georgia Odds
| Oregon Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+16.5 -115 | 54.5 -105o / -115u | +490 |
| Georgia Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-16.5 -105 | 54.5 -105o / -115u | -710 |
The last time we saw the Georgia Bulldogs, confetti was streaming down on them after thwarting the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2021 CFP National Championship.
The Oregon Ducks, on the other hand, went through a tumultuous season that ended in disappointment. They had a rollercoaster season, as they stunningly upset Ohio State in Columbus early on then lost to Stanford in dramatic fashion as heavy favorites.
Oregon went on to look defeated in two separate blowout losses against Utah and capped off the season with a lackluster defensive performance against Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl.
Can the Ducks shock the nation early on once again, or will the Bulldogs remind everyone why they are the defending national champions? Let's find out.
Can Bo Nix Take the Ducks' Offense to Another Level?
Much of Georgia's success last year can be pinpointed to the defense, one of the most dominant units in football history. No one knows that unit better than last year's defensive coordinator, Dan Lanning, who is now Oregon's head coach after Mario Cristobal left Eugene for Miami.
That wasn't the only major change; we will also see a familiar face under center, a favorite here at the Action Network.
Bo Nix season in full effect has a whole new meaning this time around, as the unpredictable quarterback has taken his talents to Eugene. He may have never beaten Georgia while at Auburn, but he has as good of a chance as ever with the talent around him this year.
Bo Nix SZN in full effect 🪄
cc: @olboyunclemitch, @_Collin1, @Stuckey2, @ActionPodcastspic.twitter.com/sJ6QAMzfcI
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) August 27, 2022
He will find himself with more security, as Oregon fields one of the best offensive lines in football. The line will be tested by the vaunted Georgia front seven that has reloaded with talent, but the Ducks will generate a level of protection that Nix has not been accustomed to.
Speaking of defense, Oregon has NFL-ready talent all over after a disappointing performance last season that resulted in below-average ranks in Defensive Success Rate and Havoc.
Generating pressure will be more vital than ever as the Ducks will look to disrupt Georgia's slow, methodical offense to get the Dawgs out of a rhythm.
The linebacker corps of Noah Sewell, Bradyn Swinson and Justin Flowe will need to limit Georgia's playmakers in space. This unit is more than capable of keeping play in front of them.
Bulldogs Are Ready to Defend Their Title
Georgia can't possibly replicate last season's success after losing a record-breaking 15 players to the NFL draft, can it? Yes. Yes it can.
If your team is Georgia, Alabama, or Ohio State, then you are accustomed to unloading and reloading with talent each and every season. This is still a dominant defense, even if it ranks 115th in Defensive TARP (Transferring Assets and Returning Production).
This is a unit that features defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who has one of the highest rated Pass Rushing grades, to fill the departure of Jordan Davis. He will be accompanied in the trench by highly touted edge rushers Chaz Chambliss and Nolan Smith, both NFL-ready players in their own right.
Jalen Carter what… pic.twitter.com/v5sriMcJb8
— Joshua Panicker (@DraftMcGee) April 17, 2022
Coverage will be a strength again, as every starter in the secondary grades above average in coverage per our ratings. This rounds out a unit that can replicate last season's historic success, if not top it.
On offense, the duo of quarterback Stetson Bennett and tight end Brock Bowers returns to form a deadly one-two punch that blew up at the end of last year.
Running back Kenny McIntosh will look to explode on the scene, benefitting from a well-rounded offensive line and opposing linebackers focusing on Georgia's receivers making plays over the middle.
Oregon vs. Georgia Betting Pick
While Ohio State vs. Notre Dame is garnering all the attention as the game of the week, I believe this matchup will surpass that one, as these teams are more evenly matched than the spread implies.
Plus I'm low on the Irish, but I digress.
This year, Oregon is healthy and has the means to neutralize Georgia's strengths with a great offensive line and the secondary on defense to keep playmakers in front of it.
If Nix can avoid shooting himself in the foot and can produce against an elite defense — as we all know he is more than capable of doing — then he will keep Oregon close.
I'm not saying Oregon will pull off the upset, but it wouldn't surprise me if it's a little close for comfort come late in the game for Georgia, especially if the 'Dawgs sticks to their script and run a slow, methodical offense that kills the clock.
We have this projected a little over +10, giving me plenty of confidence to take this at the current number of +17.5.
Nix season is in full effect.
Pick: Oregon +17.5
