Oregon vs Purdue Week 8 Picks and Predictions: Fade Ducks ATS 10/18

The Boilermakers have been on the wrong side of some big blowouts this season, but they’re coming off one of their better efforts of the campaign, falling in overtime at Illinois 50-49 last week. Purdue is going to need a major effort like that to even hang with the Ducks, but there is always that chance.

The college football lines are counting on the Ducks performing to their potential, making them 27½-point favorites against the Boilermakers. The over/under for the contest has been set at 60½ points, with -110 odds on either side of that wager.

We’re going to take a closer look at this contest to help you decide what bets you want to make before Friday night.

Oregon vs Purdue Game Information

• Game: Oregon (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) vs Purdue (1-5, 0-3)
• Date/Time: Friday, Oct. 18, 8:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN
• Oregon vs Purdue Live Stream: Fubo.tv

Oregon vs Purdue Odds and Spreads

2 Factors to Consider When Betting Oregon vs Purdue

1. Ducks Can’t Underestimate the Boilermakers

As stated earlier, the possibility of a letdown after last week’s matchup with Ohio State has to be a major concern for the Ducks. Oregon won the game of the weekend in a tight contest, and now six days later, it is traveling to face a Purdue team with nothing to lose as such a huge underdog in online betting.

The Boilermakers showed last week that they’ll take chances. Coach Ryan Walters called for a two-point conversion following a touchdown in overtime that would have given Purdue the win against Illinois.

“We were in control of the game at that point,” Walters said when asked why his team went for two. “We clawed back in the game, something we hadn’t done this season, and I wanted to give us a chance to win. I hate losing.”

Unfortunately for the Boilermakers, quarterback Ryan Browne was sacked on the attempt, ending the team’s hopes for an upset. Browne, a freshman, was making his first collegiate start and finished with 297 yards and three touchdowns through the air. He also had 118 yards rushing the ball, giving Purdue an offensive dimension it hasn’t had all season.

The Boilermakers’ offense will need to be at its best against the Ducks, especially to keep up with the potent Oregon attack. But Purdue showed last week that it can be dangerous and could make some big college football news if it puts things together.

2. Dynamic Gabriel Can Help Ducks Win Easier

Senior quarterback Dillon Gabriel came up big in the win over Ohio State, finishing with 341 passing yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 32 yards and a score. The 23-year-old avoided a sack for the fourth straight game and was efficient in moving the ball against one of the top defenses in the country.

That dual-threat capability is what has made Gabriel such a commodity to every school he’s played for in his collegiate career. And it’s what could make the Ducks a national title team if it continues.

⚫ 23/34
⚫ 373 total yards
⚫ 3 total TD
⚫ 0 INT

Dillon Gabriel starred in No. 3 @oregonfootball‘s dramatic 32-31 win over No. 2 Ohio State.#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/cFGjxwoGY9

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 13, 2024

Gabriel has passed for 1,790 yards and 13 touchdowns this season while also running for 103 yards and four scores. But he has to be a little more consistent. Against Michigan State two weeks ago, he had a pair of end-zone interceptions in the first half as the Ducks struggled for a bit against the Spartans.

If Gabriel can bring his A game against the Boilermakers, this one could live up to the college football predictions and be over quickly.

One Game at a Time for Oregon

The Ducks must focus on the Boilermakers this week and not that they have two ranked opponents coming up next. Oregon is one of the top contenders for the national title, currently at +500 in NCAA football futures odds to win it all, but that has to be a long-term goal.

Purdue is going to throw the kitchen sink at the Ducks, especially after the success the team had last week against Illinois. Having a freshman like Browne at quarterback is going to be an advantage and disadvantage for the Boilermakers, since the Ducks don’t have a lot of tape to review to prepare to face him.

Still, we don’t see Purdue being able to replicate last week and get close to the upset. But we do see the Boilermakers making it tough on the Ducks and staying within the 27½-point line to the end.

Oregon picks up another victory in its new conference, but Purdue makes its fans proud by staying close for a while. Make one of your college football picks on the Boilermakers to cover in a loss.

Bet on Purdue +27½ vs Oregon

Question 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