Ohio State vs Oregon Picks: Bet Ducks to Win Outright January 1

New Year’s Day is bringing the drama to Pasadena as Oregon and Ohio State clash in a Rose Bowl rematch for the ages. The stakes? A trip to the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Ohio State enters as a 2.5-point favorite despite Oregon sitting at 13-0 and fresh off a Big Ten title. Sure, the Buckeyes looked unstoppable in their 42-17 beatdown of Tennessee, but let’s not forget their regular season ended in humiliation at the hands of Michigan. Again. Meanwhile, the Ducks already beat OSU once this season and have all the tools to do it again.

Let’s dive into NCAAF odds and break down why Oregon will prevail in our college football predictions.

Rose Bowl Game Information

• Game: Ohio State (11-2) vs Oregon (13-0)
• Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
• Day/Time: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 5:00 p.m. ET
• Ohio State vs Oregon Live Stream: Fubo.Tv

Check the latest Ohio State vs Oregon betting trends here.

2 Betting Keys for Ohio State vs Oregon

1. Ohio State Is Still Haunted by Michigan Loss

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Ohio State’s loss to Michigan wasn’t just embarrassing but soul-crushing. The good NCAAF news for OSU is they still managed to get into the CFP. But the Wolverines stomped on the Buckeyes’ pride for the third straight year on their way to the playoffs.

Don’t let the Holidays distract you from the fact that Ohio State hasn’t beaten Michigan in 1,851 days #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/z8XXlS3OHo

— uofmcoverage (@uofmcoverage) December 24, 2024

Sure, Ohio State rebounded by flattening Tennessee in the first round of the CFP, but that game felt more like a scrimmage than a true test. The Buckeyes have struggled in high-stakes moments all season, and their inconsistency is glaring. Ryan Day’s squad has an elite roster, but Day’s decision-making in tight spots is questionable.

Ohio State’s secondary has cracks despite the nation’s top-ranked defense (11.4 points per game), per NCAAF betting trends Tennessee’s overmatched receivers couldn’t expose it.

Still, Oregon’s high-flying attack, led by Dillon Gabriel and Tez Johnson, already torched the Buckeyes once, averaging over 10 yards per drop-back in their October showdown. The Buckeyes’ vaunted defense can’t afford another misstep, and against Oregon, that feels inevitable.

2. Oregon Offense is Built for Big Moments

Oregon isn’t just the No. 1 team in the rankings — the Ducks have earned it. Led by veteran QB Dillon Gabriel, the Ducks boast a balanced, explosive offense. They rank inside the top five nationally in EPA per rush, EPA per pass and overall success rate. Simply put, this is an offense that thrives in any situation.

In the first meeting, Gabriel was surgical, picking apart Ohio State’s defense with 315 passing yards and three total touchdowns. Oregon’s playmakers, including Johnson and running back Jordan James, make this unit nearly impossible to stop.

Johnson, who missed time late in the season, returned in the Big Ten title game to devastating effect, snagging 10 catches for 112 yards and a score. He is a popular option in NCAA football player prop picks.

While not flashy, the Ducks’ offensive line has quietly dominated all year, allowing Gabriel time to dissect defenses. And while Ohio State’s defensive line is formidable, it’s not the same unit Oregon neutralized back in October. Injuries and a lack of depth have taken their toll on the Buckeyes’ front, leaving them vulnerable to Oregon’s fast-paced attack.

Ohio State vs Oregon Best Betting Pick: Ducks +110

Ohio State has the talent to win, but Oregon has the confidence, momentum and coaching edge to finish the job. Dan Lanning’s squad knows how to exploit the Buckeyes’ weaknesses, and the Ducks’ explosive offense will ensure they don’t waste opportunities.

Oregon can capitalize on OSU’s mental and physical vulnerability, and Gabriel will lead the Ducks to another signature victory. Let’s cash in on Wednesday’s odds on the underdog Ducks for our college football best bet.

Bet on Ohio State vs Oregon at BetUS Sportsbook Online

Questions Of The Day

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets