Oregon Ducks vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Odds, College Football Pick

The Oregon Ducks are known for their great home-field advantage up in Eugene, but they haven't been too bad on the road lately, either, going 8-1 both straight up and against the spread over their last nine road trips. Oregon hits the road again this week, heading off to Lincoln to take on former Oregon State head coach Mike Riley and his Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday afternoon.

Point spread: The Cornhuskers opened as three-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 39-37, Ducks (college football picks on every game)

Why the Oregon Ducks can cover the spread

Oregon is off to a 2-0 start to this season, following a 44-26 victory over Virginia last week. That game was tied at 6-6 late in the first quarter, before the Ducks scored 24 unanswered points to take a 30-6 lead into halftime.

Oregon extended that advantage to 44-13 midway through the third quarter, which for the moment gave it the cover as a 24-point favorite. But Oregon then allowed the Cavaliers to score two meaningless touchdowns, making the final score a little closer.

For the night, the Ducks outgained Virginia, 632-388, as quarterback Dakota Prukop threw for 331 yards, three touchdowns an no interceptions, while running back Royce Freeman rushed 21 times for 207 yards and two more scores.

Oregon opened this season two weeks ago with a 53-28 victory over UC Davis.

Why the Nebraska Cornhuskers can cover the spread

Big Red, trying to bounce back from a losing campaign a season ago, is off to a 2-0 start to this season both SU and ATS. Two weeks ago, the Cornhuskers opened with a 43-10 win over Fresno State, covering as four-touchdown favorites, and last week, they beat Wyoming 52-17, covering 25 points.

Nebraska grabbed an early 17-0 lead on the Cowboys, allowed the Pokes to creep within seven after three quarters, but then secured the victory and the cash with four fourth-quarter touchdowns. For the game, the Cornhuskers outgained Wyoming, 550-320, as senior quarterback Tommy Armstrong threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Nebraska defense snagged six Cowboys turnovers.

Smart pick

Oregon isn't quite the team it was a few seasons ago, when it played for the national championship, but it's still dangerous. The Cornhuskers, meanwhile, are better than their 6-7 showing of a season ago.

However, Nebraska struggled for a half against Fresno State before pulling away, and it pulled a similar stunt last week with Wyoming. The Cornhuskers won't be able to play half a game and get away with it this week. The smart money here likes the Ducks, and they won't even need the points.

Betting trends

The total has gone over in seven of Nebraska's last nine games in September.

Nebraska is 23-4 SU in its last 27 games in September.

Oregon is 8-0 ATS in its last eight games on the road.

All college football betting lines and point-spread data courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and Odds Shark YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds-tracker app.