Oregon is favored by 24 points. Oregon has elite talent and they overmatch the Buffs in most every category with the exception of special teams. Their defense is top ten in turnover margin. They have a savvy OC (Morgan) and able to control the line of scrimmage. Oregon plays down (Cal, AZ) or up (OSU, UCLA) to their opponent, does not effectively exploit their elite talent edge. Buffs will be without Nate Landman, not a trivial challenge.
By the Numbers
- FBS Power Ranking (OR: 16| CU: 101)
- Rank Points per Drive (OR 28 | CU 129)
- Rank Def Points allow per Drive ( OR: 56 | CU 45)
- Rank Yards Per Play Offense (OR:15 | CU: 103)
- Rank Yards Per Play Defense (OR: 7 |CU: 66)
- Rank Yards Per Pass Offense (OR: 12 | CU: 104)
- Rank Yards Per Pass Defense (OR: 10 | CU: 70)
- Rank Yards Per Rush Offense (OR:8 | CU 83)
- Rank Ensemble (OR: 6 | CU: 105)
Playmakers:
- Elite edge rusher Kavon Thibodaux is making a run at the Heisman
- QB Andrew Brown is a fifth year senior who is a running threat.
- Travis Dye is a productive running back and also (Verdell injured)
Tendencies/Weaknesses:
- Joe Morgan’s offense is centered on RPO triple option, puts stress on OLB, Safeties and Nickle
- Offensive Line rotates on regular basis
- QB Andrew Brown is erratic, equally capable of bust and boom plays
- LB room is banged up and underperforming
Note, the various metrics are sourced from CFB Edge, Pro Football Focus, The Power Rank, ESPN FPI. Regarding PFF grades >85 =NFL caliber; 85-79 =very good; 78-68 above average; 60 = average, 60-50 = below avg, <50 poor