Oregon vs LSU Line
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The 2011 college football season kicks off with a big time opening week matchup between No. 3 Oregon and No. 4 LSU. The game is scheduled for 8:00 ET and will be played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Off the field troubles have overshadowed both teams coming into the game. LSU looks to have received the biggest blow, as starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson has been suspended indefinitely after being arrested on felony second-degree battery charges. Both teams still believe they have what it takes to make it to the BCS National Championship Game, and one of these teams will take a big step in that direction with a win on Saturday.
Current odds have Oregon favored by 4.5 points over LSU with the total set at 55.
Oregon will be looking to get back the championship game, after losing to Auburn 19-22. The Ducks have just 11 starters back from their 12-1 team from a year ago, but return two of the nation’s best players in quarterback Darron Thomas and running back LaMichael James. A high-tempo offense that barely gives the defense a chance to take a breath, led the nation in scoring at 47 ppg.
The Ducks weren’t all that bad on the defensive side of the ball, allowing just 18.7 ppg. They could see that number rise in 2010, as they have to replace three of their top four tacklers from last year. With the way the offense puts points on the board, Oregon can withstand a drop of in production on this side of the ball.
While LSU would rather have Jefferson on the field, they believe they are still one of the best teams in the country with senior Jarrett Lee taking over at quarterback. It isn’t as though Lee doesn’t have any experience. he has thrown 8 touchdowns in his three seasons at LSU. The Tigers aren’t going to ask a lot of Lee, especially early on, as they will focus on controlling the game with their ground game and defense.
The Tigers lost three very good defensive players in corner Patrick Peterson, linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, and defensive tackle Drake Nevis, but losing big talent on this side of the ball is nothing new at LSU. The Tigers have routinely been one of the best defensive teams in the country. The Tigers should have another great defensive unit in 2011 with seven starters coming back. Whether or not they can slow down the Duck’s offense will likely be the deciding factor in who comes out on top.
Betting Trends:
Oregon seems to find a way to cover when the spread is close. They are 37-17 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 since 1992.
LSU has a strong history of playing well on a neutral field. They are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 neutral site games.
Betting the OVER in Oregon games tends to pay off early in the season. In the Ducks last 30 games played in September, 22 have gone over the total.
The UNDER has been a strong play when LSU comes into the game as an underdog. The last 44 times LSU wasn’t the favorite, the game has went under the total 29 times.
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