Northwestern vs Oregon Prediction 10/31/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

The Northwestern Wildcats and the Oregon Ducks meet in week 9 college football action from Autzen Stadium on Saturday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. 

Northwestern Wildcats vs. Oregon Ducks Prediction

I’m on Northwestern and the points in this one. I’ve been left really impressed with what Northwestern’s brought to the table so far this season, and the Wildcats look like a bonafide contender in the Big Ten this season. Oregon can’t afford any more slip ups if they’re going to make a serious case for a college football playoff spot as a 3-loss team, but this Ducks team has been a disappointment and I wouldn’t be surprised if the quit factor shows up soon. Give me Northwestern and the points as I think the Wildcats are live to win this game.

Northwestern Wildcats Recap

The Northwestern Wildcats come into this game looking to add on to their 42-14 win over Rutgers in their last game to sit at 6-1 this season. After this game, the Wildcats will head home for a matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Wildcats Win 4th Game In A Row

Aidan Chiles leads the Northwestern passing attack with 1,617 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 1 interception while completing 71.3% of his throws on 117 completions from 164 attempts. The Wildcats’ ground game is spearheaded by Caleb Komolafe, who rushes for 551 yards and 5 touchdowns on 88 carries, followed closely by Joseph Himon II with 371 yards and 3 scores on 38 carries, Gavin Sawchuk adding 223 rushing yards on 46 attempts, Chiles chipping in 181 yards and 9 scores on 72 rushing attempts, and Drew Wagner adding 43 yards on 5 carries. Through the air, Griffin Wilde leads the receiving corps with 615 yards and 4 touchdowns on 39 catches, while Alex Honig adds 221 yards and 3 scores on 14 receptions, Drew Wagner logs 218 yards and 2 scores on 23 catches, Luke Dehnicke adds 208 yards on 11 catches, and Caleb Komolafe rounds out key targets with 132 yards on 11 receptions. Defensively, Braydon Brus anchors the Northwestern squad by logging a team-high 62 total tackles. Altogether, the Wildcats’ defensive unit has successfully combined to bring down opposing quarterbacks for 13 sacks, 118 yards lost, and 36 pass deflections while also coming away with 8 total interceptions.

Why the Northwestern Wildcats will win

• The team ranked 20th in the AP Poll has won each of its last eight games.
• Oregon has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games in October.
• Northwestern has covered the spread in four of its last five games as an AP-ranked team.
• Northwestern has won the first quarter in three of its last four games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
• The road team has won the first half in each of Oregon’s last four games.

Oregon Ducks Recap

The Oregon Ducks come into this game looking to bounce back from their 21-10 loss at the hands of Illinois last time out to sit at 4-3 this season. After this game, the Ducks will head on the road for a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Ducks Alternate Wins & Losses In Last 4 Games

Dante Moore has thrown for 926 yards, 9 touchdowns, and zero interceptions while completing 69.7% of his passes to lead the Oregon passing attack, backed by 69 completions on 99 attempts, with Dylan Raiola providing supplemental support via 761 passing yards and 6 scores on 74 completions. The Ducks’ ground game is spearheaded by Jordon Davison, who rushes for 422 yards and 7 touchdowns on 88 carries, followed closely by Dierre Hill Jr. with 378 yards and 3 scores on 79 carries, Brandon Smith adding 125 rushing yards and 1 touchdown on 24 attempts, and Da’Jaun Riggs chipping in 70 yards on 10 carries. Through the air, Dakorien Moore leads the receiving corps with 417 yards and 4 touchdowns on 34 catches, while Evan Stewart adds 352 yards and 4 scores on 27 receptions, Jamari Johnson logs 293 yards and 2 scores on 24 catches, and Dierre Hill Jr. rounds out key targets with 209 yards on 20 receptions. Defensively, Koi Perich anchors the Oregon squad by logging a team-high 46 total tackles. Altogether, the Ducks’ defensive unit has successfully combined to bring down opposing quarterbacks for 11 sacks, 67 yards lost, and 38 pass deflections while also coming away with 3 total interceptions.

Why the Oregon Ducks will win

• Oregon has won 48 of its last 51 games at Autzen Stadium.
• Northwestern has lost four of its last five road games.
• Northwestern has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Oregon has covered the spread in eight of its last 10 October games as a favorite against AP-ranked teams.
• The home team has won the first quarter in each of Northwestern’s last seven games.
• Northwestern has lost the first half in each of its last eight road games.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Northwestern +3.5