If you live in Oregon, the Civil War isn’t just about the conflict that, for a time, split the United States in half. It’s also the name for the rivalry between the Oregon Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers. There have been 119 total meetings in this rivalry (it took 1943 and 1944 off for World War II, and the 1910 meeting caused rioting that led to a cancellation for 1911 and a neutral site in 1912 and 1913. Oregon has won the last eight meetings, including a 52-42 shootout last year. Be sure to check for more college football lines by clicking here.
A Closer Look at the Oregon vs Oregon State Week 13 Free Betting Pick & TV Info
The Ducks are all about offense, and that’s not going to change even though they are having to shoehorn another FCS transfer quarterback into their system. Dakota Prukop has a talented arm, and Travis Jonsen is ready to serve as his backup. Royce Freeman will be bounding through holes from the tailback position, and Dwayne Stanford, Devon Allen and Darren Carrington are all blue-chip wide receivers. The key is the defense, as new coordinator Brady Hoke is putting in a 4-3 defense. They also lost the majority of their front seven starters. They could mesh well into a solid unit, or things could go south for them. But in this game, their offense should be enough to carry the day.
Why should you put your money on the Beavers?
Oregon State is entering Year Two of their rebuilding project, but after winning just a pair of games last year they only return 10 starters — and they feature new offensive and defensive coordinators. They were #115 in the nation in scoring with 19 points per game — but they hung 42 on Oregon, on the road. Their three quarterbacks combined to rank #121 in quarterback rating and #116 in passing yards per game. Darell Garretson transferred in from Utah State, though, and should be ready to lead the team. Seth Collins, who appeared at quarterback but also tailback and wide receiver in last year’s Oregon game, is a definite X factor.
The fact that the Beavers also ranked low (#114) in the nation in scoring defense while putting in a 3-4 defense — and then lost their coordinator — means that defense will be a tall order in this game against a mighty Duck offense.
My Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
Rivalry games like this one are always a bit of an outlier. I like Oregon State to end the eight-year drought and take advantage of an iffy Duck defense. I’m predicting a 44-41 Beaver win.
