Oklahoma +4 @ Oregon

[BobJoeJim]

I bring word from Eugene that cornerback Jackie Bates is out for the season with a fractured leg. Without him, the Ducks will be starting TWO freshman cornerbacks, including Willie Glasper who looked HORRENDOUS when he came in for Bates late in the Fresno game. If Oregon brings the safeties up to stop Peterson then the corners ARE bad enough that even Paul Thompson can burn them. If Oregon leaves the safeties back in pass coverage, well, Adrian Peterson versus a defensive line that looked outmatched by Fresno, and linebackers who I don't believe have made a play yet this season, can't be a good sign for the Ducks.

Bates was the only corner Oregon had who was good enough to keep Malcolm Kelly in check by himself. Without Bates, the entire defensive scheme has to change, into a complete lose-lose situation.

Now yes, on the other side of the ball Oregon is still Oregon. Strong will be back, and Stewart will be 100%, so the Ducks should be able to keep up. Dixon looks really good this year, the offense is its standard high flying self. And Autzen Stadium is a great home field advantage. Straight up, I would still take the Ducks, and probably even at -1. Two points would be too much to give up without Bates, though, I think. Push it across the 3, though, and I STRONGLY recommend Oklahoma. +4 is a steal here. I would also take a long look at over 50 here, but I have never been comfortable with totals, so I won't *officially* recommend it.