Oregon Ducks (3-0) vs Colorado Buffaloes (3-0)
Game Info: Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 3:30 pm (Autzen Stadium)
Betting Odds: Oregon Ducks -21 -- Over/Under: 70.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ABC Stream live sports and exclusive originals on ESPN+. Sign up now! 
The Colorado Buffaloes will play the Oregon Ducks in a PAC-12 game on Saturday afternoon at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. Colorado was able to sneak past Colorado State last week, while Oregon beat Hawaii very easily.
Colorado Preview
The Colorado Buffaloes are 3-0 this season after they defeated Colorado State by a score of 43-35 in double overtime last week. Colorado trailed at halftime and trailed in the fourth quarter by a score of 28-17, but was able to score with 36 seconds left to force overtime. The Buffaloes ended up getting a stop in the second overtime for the win, but it was a disappointing game for a Colorado team that was heavily favored. Colorado was out gained by a total of 499-418, but did win the turnover battle 4-2. The Buffaloes defeated Nebraska in Week 2 by a score of 36-14 and TCU in Week 1 by a score of 45-42. The Colorado offense is averaging 41.3 points per game with 418 passing yards per game and 61 rushing yards per game, while going 47.8% on third down attempts. Shedeur Sanders has thrown for 1,251 yards, 10 touchdowns, and one interception for the Buffaloes this season. Dylan Edwards has rushed for 136 yards and one touchdown, while Xavier Weaver has caught 25 passes for 386 yards and two scores. The Colorado defense has struggled this season and is giving up 30.3 points against per game.
Oregon Preview
The Oregon Ducks are 3-0 this season after they defeated Hawaii by a score of 55-10 in their last game. Oregon scored the first 34 points in this contest and kept Hawaii out of the end zone until the last two minutes of the game. The Ducks out gained Hawaii by a total of 560-201 and forced one turnover in the win. Oregon beat Portland State by a score of 81-7 in Week 1 and they beat Texas Tech in a thriller by a score of 38-30 in Week 2. The Oregon offense is averaging 58 points per game with 357.7 passing yards per game and 229.3 rushing yards per game, while going 52.8% on third downs. Bo Nix has thrown for 893 yards and eight touchdowns, while rushing for 60 yards for the Ducks this year. Bucky Irving has rushed for 216 yards and three scores, while Troy Franklin has caught 17 passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns. The Oregon defense is allowing 15.7 points against per game, but Texas Tech did have success against them in Week 2.
Oregon Ducks Team Facts
- Oregon has won each of its last nine home games in September.
- Oregon has covered the spread in nine of its last 10 home games.
- Oregon has won the first half in 11 of its last 13 games against conference opponents at Autzen Stadium.
- Each of Oregon's last four September games as a favorite against AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Colorado Buffaloes Team Facts
- Colorado has lost each of its last six games against conference opponents.
- Colorado has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games as an underdog against top-15 AP-ranked teams.
- Colorado has lost the first half in nine of its last 10 games against conference opponents.
- Each of Colorado's last seven road games have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Oregon ranked T5th among FBS teams for Q2 win percentage last season (.769).
- Oregon ranked 6th among FBS teams for H1 points per game last season (20.9).
- Colorado suffered the most losses by a margin of 20+ points of any FBS team last season (10).
- Colorado suffered the most losses by a margin of 25+ points of any FBS team last season (9).
Pick
Colorado has the most hype out of any team in the country, but they barely beat a Colorado State team that they were favored by about 24 points against last week. Colorado will also by without one of the best players in the country, Travis Hunter, after he was knocked out by a Colorado State cheap shot last week. Oregon has taken care of business against Portland State and Hawaii, but probably should have lost against Texas Tech in Week 2. Colorado has made incredible strides from where they were at last season, but I don’t see them being able to stop the Oregon offense enough to get the win. I do think the Colorado offense will be able to put up some points and I like Colorado to keep this one respectable.
David’s Pick Colorado +21
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
