Oregon Opens as 5.5-Point Favorites vs Washington in PAC-12 North Deciding Game

• Oregon has opened as 5.5-point home favorites vs Washington in Week 15
• The game will have major implications on the Pac-12 North division
• Read below for an early look at the matchup and whether the line will move leading up to kickoff

The Pac-12 North Division could be up for grabs when Washington (3-1) and Oregon (3-2) clash at Autzen Stadium in Week 15. The Ducks have opened as 5.5-point home favorites.

With both teams seeking redemption victories and a chance to play in the title game, how will the line shift leading up to kickoff?

Washington vs Oregon Week 15 Opening Odds

Odds taken Dec. 6 at FanDuel

Huskies Can Clinch Title Game Berth 

Washington (3-1) will clinch a spot in the Pac-12 championship game if they beat the Ducks in Week 15. The Huskies could’ve locked up the division with a win over Stanford, but an upset loss to the Cardinal has made Saturday’s regular-season finale at Oregon a must-win scenario.

Washington entered Saturday’s game against Stanford as 11.5-point favorites, but they fell behind early and couldn’t complete the comeback in a 31-26 defeat. QB Dylan Morris went 15-of-23 for 254 passing yards and a rushing touchdown, while senior RB Sean McGrew ran for 65 yards and two touchdowns.

There’s a trend developing for the Huskies that won’t inspire much confidence for prospective bettors. Washington has started very poorly in back-to-back contests and have needed excellent second halves to get back in the game. The Huskies were down 21-0 to Utah at halftime in Week 13 and were trailing the Cardinal 24-3 at halftime in Week 14.

Ducks Also In Must-Win Scenario 

While Washington can clinch the division with a victory, Oregon is not guaranteed a spot in the Pac-12 championship game even if they beat the Huskies. The Ducks have suffered back-to-back upset losses, meaning Washington State can claim the division title if they beat both USC and California to close out the season.

The Ducks hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Cougars, so they’ll need to takedown the Huskies and hope Washington State picks up a loss at the hands of the undefeated Trojans or the Golden Bears. Oregon was a nine-point road favorite vs Cal in Week 14 but went on to lose a close 21-17 contest.

Oregon is sporting an ugly minus-7 turnover margin this season and shot themselves in the foot on Saturday with a lost fumble by QB Tyler Shough in the final two minutes. The Oregon pivot had a tough outing against the Golden Bears, but the positive is that the Ducks run defense held the Bears to just 88 yards rushing.

Will the Line Move?

Oregon has won back-to-back contests against Washington and have one clear matchup advantage this time around. The Ducks have a strong rushing attack led by CJ Verdell and could exploit a weak UW run defense that has been gashed for an average of 203 yards in the last two games.

Cyrus TD-Likio 😤

Third rushing touchdown of the season and 20th career for @cyri3e. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/mVlQhLdyyh

— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) November 28, 2020

Oregon’s defense is giving up 34 points per game (mostly through the air), which could open the door for the Huskies pass attack. The issue is that starting wideouts Terrell Bynum and Puka Nacua are currently injured and top tight end Cade Otton was somehow only targeted two times against Stanford.

Oregon has history on their side and the run game to beat Washington. The Ducks haven’t lost three consecutive games since 2017, so they’re going to be extra motivated to clean up their mistakes and get on track against the Huskies. Oregon deserves to be favored, but don’t be surprised if this line shifts a few points in favor of Washington, especially if the Huskies get some positive injury news leading up to kickoff.