The big one is almost here, but the stakes are much different than everyone anticipated back in August.
The Oregon Ducks will hit the road this week to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in a clash of titans in the Big Ten, but the two programs enter with a combined five losses. Rather than serving as a potential conference championship game preview, the Ducks have been practically eliminated from playoff contention, while the Buckeyes are left with no margin for error.
Oregon has been a favorite in every game this season, but this week, the Ducks are the underdogs. FanDuel Sportsbook is laying 9.5 points with Ohio State in Columbus this week, despite the Buckeyes coming off a road loss to USC. Ohio State is a strong favorite on the money line as well,
with -360 odds against Oregon's +280 odds. Both offenses are operating with backup quarterbacks, but the total points spread is still set at 47.5 points.
Dylan Raiola led Oregon to yet another comeback win at home, rallying from down 20-6 to take down Northwestern 34-26 on Halloween. Ohio State, meanwhile, was limited in Luke Fahey's first start at quarterback and fell 30-18 on the road against USC. The Ducks found some explosiveness on offense for the first time since the start of the season, but the Buckeyes are still looking for ways to be successful with Fahey, even with Heisman favorite Jeremiah Smith on his side.
Oregon hasn't been to Columbus since 2021, when the Ducks shocked the world by taking down Ohio State, 35-28. CJ Verdell ran wild and racked up 195 total yards and three touchdowns. Oregon and Ohio State split a pair of matchups in 2024, with the Ducks winning a regular-season matchup at home before the Buckeyes won in a blowout in the Rose Bowl.
The Ducks will clearly be looking to play spoiler to Ohio State's playoff hopes. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. PT on Nov. 7 from Ohio Stadium, with the game airing live on CBS.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks open as significant road underdogs vs. Ohio State
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