Oregon and Ohio State head to their highly touted rematch in the final stretch of a dwindling season. Expect the two biggest title contenders to trigger the best and worst out of each other in every possible way. On the top of the pull, Ryan Day comes with a chip on his shoulder after a shattering Michigan loss and isn’t likely to go slow on his only feasible call to save a job worth 10.02 million. Also, he already lost to the Ducks by 1 point earlier this season and possibly learned his lesson well before a high-stakes rematch. Conversely, Oregon has lived up to an unfathomable unbeaten record so far in the season and wants to retain that with all its might. Which team weighs more? 4 veteran Analysts agreed to an unpopular prediction.

During the latest episode of Bear Bets: A FOX Sports Gambling Show, a slew of analysts boost Dan Lanning’s confidence by foreseeing a potential nightmare for Ohio Day at the Rose Bowl. ”I still think the Ohio State offensive line issues are real like am I super confident, pounding the table, Oregon’s absolutely going to win this game, no I, me, Ohio State’s got a lot of talent, I think this will be, you know, fourth quarter-game tied close with 5 minutes to go,” said Will Hill.

The O-line issues? Yes, that is still the narrative. With McLaughlin out for the season, it’s a make-shift O-line with limited snaps together. That didn’t help them against the Wolverines.

Ohio State hit a low in their season a few weeks back, and Tennessee unfortunately stood at the receiving end of a bunch of negative feelings brewing inside the OSU locker room. The burning anger and sorrow turned into a menacing confidence that led to a lofty 42-17 against the Volts. Coach Ryan Day hopes that the energy will be the same, moving one step ahead of their national title dream. But a bitter reality check: their opponent doesn’t even need to build any resentment energy as they have it for two months. Of course, facing an organized and rebounded OSU wouldn’t be a child’s play for Lanning, but they will do it by hook or crook.

”That will be a tough ask for Oregon to win, but the Ducks are healthier, Jeff, than they certainly were in Austin a couple of weeks back,” Chris Fallica added another brownie point in the Ducks’ favor.

”There are more ways in my mind that Oregon can play better than Ohio State plays better in this game right so Oregon is healthier, which is hugely important, and you mentioned Ohio State’s defense and it has been a lot better, but I feel good about where Oregon at that bye-week obviously to get healthy,” Geoff Schwartz chimed in. Well, that’s right. The bye-week that the Ducks ensured after winning the Big 10 championship could not have come at a better time. But then, you can argue that the Buckeyes will have momentum on their side, and the Ducks may need a quarter or two to get back in the game mode. That can help Ryan Day? Can’t it?

”I don’t know where we close, but if I could get a three on a team that I think is better, I will take three on Oregon,” Sam Panaydtdvictch wrapped it up on a perfectly contradicting note to what most of the betting odds hold true.

Ohio State has the edge on the betting odds 

Ohio State sits as the No. 2 betting favorite to win the CFP title, according to Bet MGM. The Buckeyes are at +350 to win the national championship. Texas is at +310. Oregon is +425 and Penn State is +500. It seems the only undefeated team in the FBS stands two spots lower than their immediate opponent. But it’s not on Dan Lannings. Rather, it’s on Ryan Day and OSU’s intensified drive to dodge their messy season with the remaining games.

The Ducks didn’t do anything to deserve fewer points, but it’s true they have to be extra careful to tackle the favorite in a home game. The narrow victory might not take a lot to turn into an upset loss.

”That last game came down to the very final seconds, so not taking anything for granted and making sure that every single play counts and the next play is the most important,” Lanning has his priority set ahead of the big day at Autzen.

Lanning and his team fell victim to the toughest playoff path on the roster, but that doesn’t matter. The veteran coach didn’t say a word opposing this, rather he takes it as an exciting challenge to pursue. He knows his boys and himself. After all, the greater the pain, the sweeter the success.