We use Caesars odds, but I would be remiss if I didn't say a few other notable books have this at +3.5 (it may get there at Caesars but if I don't hang with my wife on Saturdays barring major news, I have no wife so picking now). Absolutely recommend that. But for our purposes, I think Oregon obviously can win this game and getting 3 points seems like a gift and at worst a push -- even in the tough environment that is Rice-Eccles Stadium. If the Utes win, we probably see this again in a few weeks in the Pac-12 title game.

It's going to be cold and might be a little rainy in Salt Lake City, which will slow down two offenses that like to go old-school as much as possible. I don't trust Oregon quarterback Anthony Brown to be a difference-maker, and Utah's defense is ranked third in the Pac-12 at 344.1 total yards per game.

Excuse me? The No. 3 team in the country is a road underdog? Look, I get that Utah is on the rise and imposes its brand on opponents. Guess what … that’s the same brand Oregon uses. The Ducks are physical up front, have a great running game led by Travis Dye and won’t back down against the tough Utes offensive line. The Ducks are 3-1 as underdogs and 2-0 when they’re 1-to-5 point dogs. Give me the Ducks to cover and win outright.