Minnesota vs. Oregon prediction: Odds, picks, best bet for Big Ten clash Friday

By all accounts, the Oregon Ducks fit the bill as a contender for the national championship this season.

Oregon is 8-1 overall, 5-1 in the Big Ten, and its lone loss came against No. 2 Indiana. The Ducks also boast the fifth-best average margin of victory in the country (24.9).

This team ticks all the boxes. Or so it would seem.

There is one glaring red flag when it comes to Oregon’s profile. The Ducks have played a pretty light schedule, at least relative to the other powerhouses this season.

Oregon ranks 25th in FBS in strength of schedule, lagging behind seven other Big Ten teams.

What’s more is that the Ducks lost at home to the lone elite team they faced, and they barely got by Iowa and Penn State. Oregon has some blowout wins over Oklahoma State, Rutgers and Oregon State on its ledger, but there are just as many eyebrow-raising results on this resume.

The Ducks could be a paper tiger.

Statistically speaking, Oregon boasts an elite defensive profile, ranking No. 2 in SP+, but the offense is less impressive. That isn’t to say it’s not terrific, but it is not up to the standards of the other juggernauts.

And remember, the Ducks are putting up these numbers against a pretty manageable group of opponents.

Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey. Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Betting on College Football?

• Check out the best College Football betting sites
• Read our expert’s guide on how to bet on College Football
• Get the latest College Football National Championship winner odds

Minnesota’s offense will likely be snuffed out by the Ducks on Friday night at Autzen Stadium, but the defense can contend.

The Golden Gophers grade out as the No. 29 defense in FBS, per SP+, and should be able to keep enough of a handle on the Ducks to get us to the window.

The Play: Minnesota +25.5 (-110, FanDuel)

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.