Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Oregon Ducks: Betting Odds, NCAA Championship Pick

The high-flying Oregon Ducks are 9-0 both straight up and against the spread since suffering their only defeat of this season back in October, and they've done that while facing big numbers as favorites on the spreads almost every time out.

Oregon bettors might actually think they're getting a deal on Monday's College Football Playoff Championship Game against Ohio State, considering the Ducks are giving under a touchdown.

But beware of the Buckeyes, who do not take kindly to being labelled underdogs.

Point Spread: The Ducks opened as 6.5-point favorites but are favored by six points as of Wednesday. The total sits at 75.5.

Odds Shark Computer Pick: Oregon 44, Ohio State 36

Why the Ohio State Buckeyes Can Cover the Spread

After the injury to quarterback J.T. Barrett, the season seemed almost over for the Buckeyes. They were underdogs to Wisconsin going into the Big Ten Championship Game and had to jump over two teams to make the CFP.

However, with third-string QB Cardale Jones making his first collegiate start, Ohio State blew out the Badgers 59-0, which was enough to make the playoff field.

Then, as eight-point underdogs in the Sugar Bowl against vaunted Alabama, the Buckeyes racked up 281 yards on the ground and pulled off a 42-35 upset.

Ohio State is solid everywhere. If it can keep the chains moving on offense, run some clock and make a few stops on defense, it could win this game outright. And as an underdog, the Buckeyes (13-2 ATS) have been very profitable over the years.

Why the Oregon Ducks Can Cover the Spread

The Ducks are the hottest team in the country, with nine straight wins—most in blowout fashion—including a 59-20 romp over Florida State in the Rose Bowl. The Ducks let the 'Noles hang around through halftime, then won the second half 41-7.

For the day, Oregon totaled 639 yards of offense and 301 on the ground. Over their last nine games, the Ducks are averaging 49 points per outing.

Also, the Oregon defense has held its last four opponents to an average of just 16 points. The Quack Attack is tough to stop once it gets rolling, and with its team speed, Oregon will try to run Ohio State off the field.

Oregon has won and covered nine straight overall, facing spreads of seven or more points eight times.

Smart Pick

Led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota, Oregon has the edge on offense. However, Ohio State holds an edge on defense. The Buckeyes have been underrated by the oddsmakers and the betting public since Jones took over behind center.

Looking back to the summer, it seemed Ohio State's season was lost when Braxton Miller got hurt and their title odds plunged from 10-1 to 40-1.

In a matchup that looks closer on paper than the spread might indicate, the smart choice might be with the underdog, plus the points.

Betting Trends

• The total has gone over in 12 of Ohio State's last 13 games.
• Ohio State is 13-2 ATS as an underdog since 2007, covering six in a row when getting a TD or more.
• This is the first time since 2006 Rose Bowl that no SEC team is in the championship game (eight seasons).
• Three of past four title games played under.
• Oregon has won and covered four straight bowl games.
• Oregon has won and covered nine straight overall, facing spreads of seven or more points eight times.
• Oregon is 5-1 SU vs Big Ten schools since 2007.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark, all quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.