One of the best non-conference match ups of the college football season will take place tonight at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho. The No. 16 Oregon Ducks will square off against the No. 14 Bosie State Broncos at 10:15pm ET on ESPN. The Ducks come into the game seeking revenge after Boise State pulled off a 37-32 upset in Eugene last season. Oregon vs Boise State College Football Picks, Odds & Predictions at Sportsbook.com have the Broncos listed as a -3.5 against the spread home favorite.
The Oregon football team inherited a new coach over the off-season
as offensive coordinator Chip Kelly succeeded Mike Bellotti. Kelly has nine starters and 49 lettermen back from last year's 10-3 team. Among those back on campus are quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and tailback LeGarrette Blount.
Masoli threw for 1744 yards, 13 touchdowns, and five interceptions while ranking third on the team in rushing with 718 yards (10 touchdowns and 5.7 yards per carry). Blount ran for 1002 yards and 17 touchdowns and averaged 7.3 yards per carry. The two players, along with the departed Jeremiah Johnson, helped the team to a 41.9 point per game average in 2008.
This year's Oregon offense should be potent, but with just four of the top 10 offensive linemen from last year's squad returning, it will be difficult to match 2008's numbers.
The Ducks return just five starters from a defense that held teams to 28.2 points per game. However, their top secondary figures are back (safety T.J. Ward, cornerback Walter Thurmond), as well as their top linebacker (Spencer Paysinger) and lineman (Will Tukuafu).
Boise State enters tonight's tilt with 11 starters from last season's 12-1 WAC Championship team. Leading rusher Ian Johnson and top receiver Jeremy Childs have moved on but quarterback Kellen Moore returns to lead the offense. Moore threw for 3486 yards and 25 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman a season ago.
Despite the loss of some quality skill players, Boise is still highly talented and Moore will be protected by a line that returns three starters from a unit that allowed just 13 sacks.
The Broncos defense was one of the best in the nation last season, holding opponents to an average of 12.6 points per game, but only five starters are back for coordinator Justin Wilcox.
The front seven is young and inexperienced, but also loaded with talent. The secondary will be the strength of the defense as strong safety Jeron Johnson and cornerback Kyle Wilson anchor the group.
Sportsbook.com Oregon vs Boise State College Football Picks, Odds & Predictions:
Oregon Ducks +3.5 (-110), Over 64 (-110), +145 (Moneyline)
Boise State Broncos -3.5 (-110), Under 64 (-110), -165 (Moneyline)
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