Oregon-Washington: Spread, Total, Breakdown and Best Bet for Pac-12 Championship Game
Well, it's finally here: the last Pac-12 Championship Game as we know it.
In 2023, the Pac-12 -- with 83% of its schools leaving the conference next year -- produced one of its most competitive seasons to date. Still, two sides have seemed head and shoulders above the rest: the Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies. Thankfully, that is the matchup we will get this Friday in "Sin City."
Meeting in Vegas, the Ducks and Dawgs will settle the score. The winner here not only takes the final Pac-12 crown but likely punches their ticket to the College Football Playoff. Of course, I don't think any of us have forgotten about the last time Washington and Oregon met on the gridiron -- it was only six weeks back.
The upcoming title game in the desert could prove to be the most pivotal of all, ultimately resonating CFP shockwaves to other schools. With Friday's kickoff for Oregon-Washington looming closely, let's dive into the odds and lines for the Pac-12 championship, keeping the emphasis on the most valuable of the traditional betting markets.
All college football odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.
Pac-12 Championship Betting Odds: Spread, Moneyline and Total
Kickoff: Friday (Dec. 1), 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Spread: Oregon -9.5(-115)
Moneyline:
- Washington: +285
- Oregon: -365
Total: 65.5
Oregon vs. Washington Analysis
Round II -- ready... fight!
This second time around, the Huskies (12-0) and Fighting Ducks (11-1) will play for all the marbles. About a month and a half ago, we saw these same sides rumble in Seattle. In a contest that ultimately came down to the wire, Washington emerged victorious after UO kicker Camden Lewis missed a game-winning field goal from 36 yards out. Upon conclusion, we saw no less than six lead changes.
Naturally, UDub won't have a home-field advantage this Friday evening. Regardless, I'd expect both fan bases to make the trip to Southern Nevada. It's tough to say who will show up with more support, but I know there are a ton of Oregon graduates in Vegas.
In terms of the Pac-12 Championship Game, the Ducks are making a record sixth appearance while the Huskies are in their third. Of course, Oregon boasts the most wins here, as well, showing four since 2011 (2020 being the most recent). Washington has won in both previous trips, last winning in 2018.
Leading into 2023, the Utah Utes had won the Pac-12 in two straight years. As it is now, Utah (8-4) is ranked outside the latest CFP Top 25. As for participants Washington and Oregon, the former is at No. 3 while the latter is No. 5. However, that will all be shaken up by this same time next week.
The undefeated Huskies are led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and a prolific offense. By and large, the southpaw signal-caller has two favorite targets: wideouts Rome Odunze and Ja'lynn Polk. The receiving tandem has combined for 23 total touchdowns this year, helping UDub get to 38.0 PPG (11th in FBS). As for Penix, he has averaged an electric 324.9 passing yards per game through a dozen contests.
Across the field, UO knows a thing or two about offense, as well. In 2023, the Ducks have been powered by the rocket arm of Heisman favorite Bo Nix. At FanDuel Sportsbook, the Oregon quarterback shows -180 odds to win college football's most famous award -- deservedly so, too. Nix leads all of FBS in passing yardage (3,906) while still boasting a hyper-precise completion clip of 78.6%. UO receivers Troy Franklin and Tez Johnson are premier athletes and have also combined for 23 scores.
On defense, the Ducks have been the more active bunch. They have caused 15 takeaways to this point, featuring 10 interceptions. Overall, Oregon has surrendered just 15.9 PPG, which is the seventh-best mark in the nation. The group derives its spirit from versatile defensive lineman Jordan Burch, who leads UO with 7.5 tackles for loss in 2023.
Washington has been slightly more shaky on D, particularly as of late. Over the past four weeks, the Huskies are giving up 27.75 PPG. Thus far, Penix and the offense (and special teams) have been able to bail them out of any tight spot. Still, the Husky defense has talent, such as 6-foot-2 safety Dominique Hampton (team-high 89 tackles).
Oregon and UDub are as fierce of rivals as you will find on the West Coast. In neighboring U.S. territories, Eugene and Seattle are located fewer than 300 miles down Interstate 5 from one another. This Friday will be their 116th head-to-head meeting on the football field (dating back to 1900), with the Huskies taking each of the previous two games. The upcoming Pac-12 championship is the first time they will play in a state that houses neither campus.
Oregon vs. Washington Best Bet
Washington +9.5 (-105)
For starters, FanDuel Sportsbook is showing interesting support on the 2023 Pac-12 title game. Against the spread (ATS) as well as straight up, Oregon is attracting a larger handle while Washington has returned more tickets (as of Wednesday) -- ah decisions, decisions.
While the Huskies have recently shown that they are capable of defeating UO, can they do it on neutral grounds? We'll find out soon enough, but I do think Oregon to be the superior side this year. Still, I am not so sure that these rivals are a whole 10 points apart.
The College Football Playoff odds at FanDuel Sportsbook show much more faith in the Ducks, as this game is intrinsically tied to the postseason. One final time for the Pac-12, I am taking the 9.5 points with undefeated Washington. Simply, a lower number -- perhaps in the neighborhood of a touchdown -- might sway me to play the chalk, but as it is, I like the underdog Dawgs ATS.
On numberFire's CFB game projections, we see an estimated score of 35.43-26.33 in favor of Oregon. That presents a score difference of 9.1 points, which is on the side of UDub +9.5. However, more than any other championship game this weekend, we should keep an eye on the line for Ducks-Dawgs.
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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.