Oregon Ducks vs LSU Tigers NCAAF Odds, Predictions and Free Picks – Week 1 College Football Picks

Free College Football Picks: Oregon Ducks vs LSU Tigers 2011 NCAA Football Vegas Odds, Free Picks, and Expert Predictions 9/3/11: Two of the top programs in the nation will clash in one of the most anticipated season openers in recent memory. National title hopes for both No. 3 Oregon and No. 4 LSU will be on the line when these two teams meet in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. The Ducks are coming off a 22-19 loss to Auburn in the national title game, while LSU is looking to return to the title game for the third time in the BCS era. The winner of Saturday night’s matchup will have a signature victory to add to its resume, but the losing team could see their championship hopes end before they even begin.

Leading up to the game, off the field issues for the Tigers have dominated the headlines. Starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson was involved in a bar fight and has been suspended while he faces second-degree battery charges. Coming off an 11-2 season, Jefferson was tabbed as a potential breakout star for LSU. However, the team must now turn to backup Jarrett Lee in a pressure-packed atmosphere. Although Lee has had some impressive moments in relief throughout his career, he also has as many career touchdowns passes (18) as interceptions, including seven returned for touchdowns.

Jefferson may be getting most of the attention, but on the field, a clash in playing styles will be taking place. The Ducks try to out-run and out-score opponents with a high-powered offensive attack led the nation in points per game and yards per game last year. The Tigers on the other hand live and die with their always potent defense. LSU likes to slow down and wear down opponents with its combination of size and speed on the defensive side of the ball. Given the stark contrast, whichever team can impose its will is going to have a big advantage is this contest.

In terms of star power, the Ducks have the edge. Both quarterback Darron Thomas and running back LaMichael James are Heisman candidates entering the season. James in particular could be an X-factor, coming off a season when he led the nation in rushing yards per game and tallied 24 total touchdowns. Thomas threw 30 touchdowns himself, and James is one of his most explosive targets in the passing game as well. In fact, the two hooked up for a pair of scores against Auburn in the BCS Championship last season.

While that loss to Auburn won’t have a direct impact on Saturday’s game, it has to worry Oregon coach Chip Kelly. Like Auburn, LSU plays in the SEC – a conference known for powerful defenses. The Ducks managed just 19 points against Auburn, and James ran for a season-low 49 yards. Granted, LSU isn’t Auburn, but on paper, Les Miles’ bunch has a better defense than Auburn. In other words, the Ducks seemingly unstoppable offense can and has been stopped by a team from LSU’s conference.

The Tigers will have to limit the Oregon offense because LSU could have struggle scoring points. In addition to the loss of Jefferson under center, leading receiver Russell Shepard is serving an NCAA suspension. Sophomore running back Spencer Ware will be asked to carry a heavy load. However, the Oregon defense isn’t shabby either. After all, Auburn and Heisman trophy winner Cam Newton managed just 22 points against the Ducks in the title game.

With both teams ranked inside the top five, it is no surprise to see a small point spread in this one. LSU (+3 ½) enters the game as the underdog, and considering the issues involving Jefferson, it isn’t hard to see why. At the end of the day, this game is going to come down to whether or not the Ducks can find the offensive rhythm they never had in the BCS Championship. An offseason to study the film should help Kelly add a few more wrinkles to the game plan and free up James. There is only so much the Tigers’ defense is going to be able to do, especially if the offense can’t find a way to provide support. It won’t be a blowout, but the Ducks should be put this one away before the final play.

Free College Football Picks and NCAAF Predictions: Oregon Ducks -3.5 to cover the pointspread

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