Coming off a national title win, our Oregon vs. Georgia prediction will need to factor in the former defensive coordinator leaving to become the head coach of the Ducks.
In one of the more exciting matchups of the weekend, how will the Ducks’ new quarterback Bo Nix, formerly of Auburn, hold up against the reigning champs?
Remember, the Bulldogs lost a lot of defensive talent to the NFL Draft, though they still have plenty to go around.
Below we’ll get into the matchup and find the best Oregon vs Georgia prediction for Week 1.
Oregon vs. Georgia Week 1 College Football Betting Picks & Predictions
Oregon vs. Georgia Betting Odds
| Oregon Spread | +17.5 (-110) |
| Georgia Spread | -17.5 (-110) |
| Over/Under | 52.5 |
| Location | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA |
| Time | 3:30 PM EST |
| TV | ABC |
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Dan Lanning vs. Brock Bowers
Former Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning left the program this offseason to become the new coach for the Ducks. He’ll immediately have his work cut out for him against his former team.
While he helped Georgia head coach Kirby Smart bring the program to dominance, what’s even more dominant in Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.
As it stands right now, the Ducks don’t appear to have any credible threats to stand up to Bowers, as linebacker Noah Sewell is far more valuable in blitzing, and the safeties are either inexperienced or haven’t performed well.
Using measurables only, the Ducks could try a combination of the 6’3” Trikweze Bridges, but he’ll need help.
Outside of Bowers, the Ducks will need to keep an eye on Ladd McConkey, an emerging redshirt sophomore receiver.
Lanning is a masterful defensive mind, so if anyone can get their players to step up against an offense that appears set to overwhelm a defense, it’s him.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Ducks have Nix. Still, he’s been more inconsistent than anything in his college career. There isn’t exactly that top-end running back with an impressive skill set as we’ve seen in years past.
The offensive line is solid with T.J. Bass leading the charge, but this Georgia pass rush, even without most of their talent that made them a feared defense in 2021, is still going to dominate with Nolan Smith clogging up runs and getting to the quarterback and a potential No. 1 overall pick in Jalen Carter.
Georgia’s Defense Still A Force
The Georgia Bulldogs, outside of a few complementary receivers, are still an astonishingly dominant force heading into the season.
There are suitable players on both sides of the ball for the Ducks, but the Georgia defense will be able to provide enough pressure up front and in the back. This sets up Nix to have a bad day moving the ball.
In addition to Smith and Carter, the Bulldogs have Kelee Ringo and Kamari Lassiter in their second seasons, who were already more than competent in their first year of playing for the team.
At linebacker, they have Jamon Dumas-Johnson, who can cover pretty well and defend the run.
The Bulldogs will have an answer all day long.
Oregon vs. Georgia Prediction
Any time you get that hook in there, it makes you question your decision, but it’s quite evident here.
The Ducks are just outside the nationally ranked top 10, but this will be a rough game even with Lanning.
Lanning can know the Bulldogs inside and out, but talent wins at the end of the day.
The Bulldogs will create consistent pressure, throttle the run game, and have answers running the ball and in the passing game for starting quarterback Stetson Bennett.
The Bulldogs start 1-0 in dominating fashion.
