Washington Huskies vs Oregon Ducks Betting Preview
By Matthew Gray
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Although no team has challenged Oregon this season, the Ducks take a huge step up in class this week with a jaunt to Washington.
It’s Oregon’s third game against Pac-12 rivalry, but its preceding two in-conference opponents – California and Colorado – aren’t precisely world shakers. Oregon covered 38- and 38.5 point spreads in those games.
A road game against Washington presents a far harder test. The Huskies have wins over Boise State, Illinois and Arizona, and a close loss at Stanford. Washington covered the 9-point spread in its 31-28 loss to the Cardinal and had the ball with a chance to tie or win with just under two minutes left.
More: Check out the helmet the Huskies will be wearing against the Ducks!
The Wynn sports book opened Oregon as a 14.5-point favorite for this week’s tilt, by far the shortest number the Ducks have laid all season. Sharps saw price on the underdog at this value, however, and took Washington plus the points. John Avello, vice-president of the race and sports book at the Wynn, moved the line down to 14.
“The sharp money that’s been coming in on the early numbers, they think they’re getting value, but by the end of the week, they could be getting that money plus,” Avello told The Linemakers on Sporting News Monday afternoon. “All these teams like the Florida States and the Clemsons and all those teams, they’re getting bet by the general public come later on the day of the game.”
Look for that configuration to carry on this week when it comes to Oregon, as Avello expects money on the favorite pushing the line higher.