Ohio State vs Oregon live stream, where to watch, TV channel, prediction, picks, spread, football game odds

No. 2 Ohio State travels to No. 3 Oregon on Saturday night for the first game between the Buckeyes and Ducks in Eugene since 1967 in what should be one of the most impactful games of the 2024 season. Not only does it count toward the final Big Ten standings — a result of the conference’s final major round of realignment — it will also have a major impact on the 12-team College Football Playoff race.

Not only is it Ohio State’s first trip to Eugene in nearly 60 years, it’s also only the fourth time this century that these two teams will face each other. The last time Oregon and Ohio State faced off, the Ducks left Columbus, Ohio with a resounding 35-28 non-conference win in 2021.

This was Oregon’s first ever win over the Buckeyes and cut Ohio State’s lead to 9-1 in the all-time series. Clearly there is more at stake here.

It will be the third straight season in which the Big Ten teams ranked 2nd and 3rd will compete against each other. In each of the last two seasons, it was No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Michigan, and the winner – in both cases, Michigan – went on to secure a Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Follow along LIVE updates from Ohio State’s trip to Oregon

How to watch Ohio State vs. Oregon live

Date: Saturday, Oct. 12 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Autzen Stadium – Eugene, Oregon
TV: NBC | Live stream: fubo (Try for free)

Ohio State vs. Oregon: What you need to know

Dillon Gabriel needs to play better: Most assumed that the transition from Bo Nix to Dillon Gabriel would at least be smooth. Gabriel is one of the most accomplished passers in college football, having great success with stops at UCF and Oklahoma before landing at Eugene. The first results were disappointing.

Gabriel’s problems at the start of the season were understandable. Oregon suffered injuries to the offensive line in the first two games and it took a while for the running game to find its footing. Such problems can cause an attack to go out of rhythm. But in the Ducks’ two Big Ten games, Gabriel has three interceptions. Two of them are in the red zone, which is a glaring problem. His completion percentage in conference play fell to 68.4%, compared to 83.7% against non-conference opponents, and his yards per attempt fell to 7.1. He will need to improve his game against a strong Ohio State defense that features future NFL draft picks at every level.

Ohio State and Oregon were dominant: Ohio State currently leads the FBS in points differential per game (+39.2) this season, and the Buckeyes are also holding their opponents to just 6.8 points per game. The Buckeyes won every game by at least 28 points and allowed the fewest points in five games since 1973.

Oregon was equally impressive. Since the start of last season, Ohio State (+24.8) and the Ducks (+25.2) are the two programs with the highest FBS point differential. Ohio State has also won 45 straight games against non-Michigan conference opponents, while Oregon has won 18 straight games against non-Washington conference opponents, including a 2-0 start in the Big Ten. This game probably won’t be a blowout, but it’s an interesting showcase of two of the most dominant teams (at least statistically speaking) of the last few years.

Keep an eye on Jeremiah Smith: Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith came into college football as one of the most heralded freshmen in recent memory and has somehow exceeded all expectations so far. After just five games, he is already second on Ohio State’s true freshman receiving yards list. He passed Garrett Wilson and David Boston by rushing for 453 yards in last week’s win over Iowa. He has also scored a touchdown in every game this year, extending his freshman record that he has already broken.

He currently leads all rookies in receptions with 23, and he leads FBS rookies in receiving touchdowns with six. While the numbers are staggering, his actual play is even more remarkable. He makes one-handed grab attempts routine and catches anything thrown at him within a reasonable radius. There will be plenty of great talent on the field on Saturday, but it will be difficult for spectators to take their eyes off Smith.

Ohio State vs. Oregon prediction, tips

This will be the first real test of the season for Ohio State. It’s the Buckeyes’ first game against a ranked opponent and Autzen Stadium is an extremely difficult place to play. That being said, Ryan Day’s team gelled really well in this game. Oregon hasn’t exactly wowed the world so far, and its offensive struggles have been a big reason why. The Ducks’ offensive line allowed seven sacks in the first two games, and although they have declined since then, Ohio State brings the best defense they will see all year. Oregon’s running game has stalled of late, but Ohio State has held three of its five opponents under 100 total yards rushing. This game will be close; Ohio State should cover. Pick: Ohio State -3.5

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