Oregon Ducks head coach Mario Cristobal has a reputation for being a recruiting machine. And that has translated into a rapid improvement for an Oregon program falling behind before his arrival. From 2008 through 2014, the Ducks finished 11th or better in the final national polls every season. While four times in that span, their final ranking was 4th or better. In 2010 and 2014, Oregon played in the national championship game. Commencing with being Nike funded, Oregon faces high College Football betting expectations. Cristobal is increasingly meeting them.
2021 Oregon Ducks Betting Odds
| Ducks | Odds |
|---|---|
| Odds to win National Championship: | +5000 |
| Odds to win Pac-12 Conference: | +230 |
| 2021 Regular Season Win Total: | 9 |
2021 Oregon Ducks Team Overview
Mark Helfrich inherited a national powerhouse from Chip Kelly. However, Helfrich couldn’t maintain Kelly’s dominance as head coach. And after a 4-8 implosion in 2016, Helfrich was shown the door. Following was Willie Taggart, who bailed after one 7-5 season. Cristobal was on Taggart’s staff and took over for the 2018 season.
Cristobal went 7-6, 9-4, 12-2, and then 4-3 last year. Despite the online betting record drop in 2020, the Ducks won the Pac-12 championship. In 2019, Oregon beat a strong Wisconsin team in the Rose bowl.
While the Ducks haven’t reached the heights of the Chip Kelly Glory Years, they are on the come. The reason is recruiting. To show, Cristobal is nearing an Alabama type of level. With alum and Nike boss Phil Knight’s money, Oregon has world-class facilities. Paired up with Cristobal’s recruiting prowess, Oregon brings the potential of building a powerhouse. For 2021, the Ducks are picked to finish in the top ten and contend for the Pac-12 title. At the very least.
In 2021, Oregon will be one of the best offensive teams in the country. At the beginning are talented running back CJ Verdell and receivers Johnny Johnson III and Jaylon Redd. Quarterback Tyler Shough transferred to Texas Tech. But graduate transfer Anthony Brown worked into the lineup occasionally in 2020. Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead is respected for his ability to develop an RPO system that keeps defenses off balance.
Cristobal emphasized defensive recruitment in his first two years as head coach. Now is the season where that will pay dividends. The defensive lineup will be deep and experienced. New defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter is a former Fresno State head coach and is respected for his prowess.
2021 Oregon Ducks Schedule Highlights
The first game irony for Oregon is apparent. Tim DeRuyter’s debut as Oregon defensive coordinator will be on September 4 against the Fresno State program he used to lead.
Following that is one of the biggest games of the year. Oregon will travel to the Horseshoe to face Ohio State on September 11.
Oregon and Stanford have had a great rivalry for the past decade-plus. Specifically, that rivalry will be renewed at Stanford Stadium on October 2.
Former Oregon coach Chip Kelly will lead his UCLA Bruins against the Ducks at the Rose Bowl on October 23. Consider this is Kelly’s 4th year at UCLA. And he is expected to field his best team since taking over in Westwood.
November 6 brings a high-profile matchup at the Washington Huskies. On the whole, this College Football Betting showdown could be for all the marbles in the Pac-12 North Division.
Finally, the regular season ends on November 27 when Oregon hosts the improving Oregon State Beavers. The Ducks will be seeking revenge for a 41-38 loss at OSU in 2020.
2021 Oregon Ducks SBG Best Bet: Oregon Over 9 Wins.