Auburn vs Oregon 2019 College Football Week 1 Odds & Game Prediction

We have a rematch of the 2010 BCS Championship, when Auburn edged Oregon, 22-19, behind the heroics of quarterback Cam Newton. Since then, though, the Pac-12 has dropped significantly in terms of its national profile — and Auburn could use a boost after a tough 2018. Oregon needs this more than Auburn does, to be honest. Last year, Auburn beat Washington in a neutral-site opener, and despite the fact that Washington would win the Pac-12, that loss to an average Auburn team was a factor that kept them from getting consideration for the College Football Playoff. Let’s take a look at this matchup — the only one between ranked opponents in Week 1 — as part of your College Football betting for the weekend.

Auburn vs Oregon 2019 College Football Week 1 Odds & Game Prediction

GAME WEEK#WarEagle x #RidefortheBrand pic.twitter.com/EzRy3C9UG4

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) August 25, 2019

When: Saturday, August 31, 2019, 7:30pm ET Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX TV: ABC Radio: None Live Stream: ESPN+ College Football Week 1 Odds: Auburn -3.5 / O/U 56

Why should you bet on Auburn?

Despite that relatively high point total, the key for Auburn starts on defense. Big Kat Bryant, Nick Coe and Marlon Davidson can bring both pressure and containment on the edges, while Derrick Brown can shut things down up the middle. They make one of the best defensive fronts in the nation. Now the next two levels are not quite as good, but shutting down the run and pressuring the passer are essential to success. Oregon has a stout offensive line, but there is no unit in the Pac-12 comparable to Auburn’s defensive line. To get a point of comparison, Oregon played Michigan State in the Redbox Bowl last year. The Spartans also have a solid defense and held the Ducks to just 37 rushing yards, and their pass rush kept Oregon from moving the ball. Michigan State was playing with a reserve quarterback, so they could not move the ball either, which is why Oregon won, 7-6, but the Ducks only converted two of 14 third downs. They will need to do better against Auburn.

Why should you put your money on Oregon?

Oregon has senior Justin Herbert returning at quarterback — while Auburn is starting Bo Nix, a true freshman, at quarterback. Herbert has played in big games before, and so the klieg lights of a huge stage will not intimidate him. The Ducks also have a veteran defense that will bring the kitchen sink against Nix. Oregon’s defense is not nearly as good as Auburn’s, but it is good enough to frustrate Nix from time to time. Herbert’s skill is one reason why the point total on this game sits at 56. Oregon could turn this game into a track meet — and if Auburn’s offensive line doesn’t show improvement over a year ago, they could struggle to run or protect Nix. We’ve talked about Auburn’s defensive line, but Oregon’s offensive line does return all five starters, including four All-Pac-12 performers. So while the Ducks might not be able to open massive holes in Auburn’s front, Herbert should not have to spend the entire game running for his life.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Oregon has covered in four of their last five August games — but just once in their five games against non-Pac-12 opposition. Auburn has only covered in three of their last 11 games outside the SEC. However, Auburn’s defense has more experience, and this will be more of a “home” game for Auburn, as the fan base will have a lot shorter trip to take. The biggest questions for Auburn come at linebacker and at quarterback. There are a lot of reasons to like Oregon here, but the intangibles to me have me leaning toward the SEC. The Pac-12 has not won in these types of cross-conference Power 5 showdowns, and that mental baggage could keep Oregon from playing as well as they might on Saturday. Final Score Prediction: Auburn 27, Oregon 20