Oregon vs. Rutgers Picks and Prediction, Saturday, October 18, 2025

On Saturday, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will host the Oregon Ducks at SHI Stadium in Week 8 Big 10 action. The Ducks are 17-point spread favorites, and the game total is 60.0 points scored. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.

This Oregon vs. Rutgers prediction highlights a Ducks team coming off their first loss of the season and a Scarlet Knights squad that has dropped three straight after starting the season 3-0. Saturday's game marks the first-ever football matchup between these Big Ten opponents.

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Oregon is seeking a bounce-back win

Oregon (5-1 SU, 3-2-1 ATS, and 3-3 O/U) was tripped up by Indiana at home last weekend. The Ducks were seven-point favorites.

Oregon was upset by Indiana last Saturday, snapping the Ducks' 18-game home winning streak. UO was held to 267 total yards and was 3-for-14 on third down. It was an uncharacteristic loss, as Oregon was held to 267 total yards, lost the turnover and time of possession battles, and committed seven penalties resulting in 64 lost yards.

Sophomore QB Dante Moore leads Oregon into action with 1,396 passing yards (72.0% CMP%), 15 touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Detroit native's top receiving target is freshman WR Dakorien Moore (23 receptions for 335 yards and two TDs), and freshman RB Dierre Hill Jr. paces the team in rushing (29 carries for 267 yards and two TDs). Four Ducks have recorded at least 225 receiving yards, and three have rushed for at least 200 yards.

Oregon scores 42.2 points per game (9th) and averages 464.3 total yards (24th), including 251.3 passing yards (53rd) and 213.0 rushing yards (21st). The Ducks' defense allows 15.2 points (14th) and 252.8 total yards (8th) per game, including 138.7 passing yards (5th) and 114.2 rushing yards (37th).

Oregon Ducks Football Injury Report: No significant injuries to report for Saturday's game at Rutgers.

Rutgers must turn it up a few notches on defense

Rutgers (3-3 SU, 3-3 ATS, and 5-1 O/U) fell 38-19 to Washington last Friday. The Scarlet Knights are 0-3 in Big Ten conference play.

RU was outplayed on the road at UW last week, as the Scarlet Knights wasted a solid first-half performance with a poor showing defensively after halftime. Rutgers led 13-10 after two quarters, but was outscored 28-6 after the break, as Washington moved the football with ease. The Huskies gained nearly 600 total yards, as QB Demond Williams Jr. passed for over 400 yards and rushed for 136, scoring four total touchdowns.

Senior QB Athan Kaliakmanis leads the Rutgers offense with 1,785 passing yards (66.0% CMP%), 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions. His top receiving targets are junior WR Ian Strong (36 receptions for 537 yards and two TDs), sophomore WR KJ Duff (33 receptions for 479 yards and four TDs), and senior WR DT Sheffield (26 receptions for 394 yards and three scores). The Scarlet Knights' run game is led by sophomore RB Antwan Raymond (102 carries for 560 yards and nine TDs).

Rutgers scores 35.7 points per game (33rd) and averages 443.8 total yards (31st), including 309.0 passing yards (13th) and 134.8 rushing yards (95th). The Scarlet Knights' defense surrenders 27.5 points (94th) and 385.3 total yards (88th) per game, including 249.0 passing yards (114th) and 136.3 rushing yards (60th).

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football Injury Report: No new injuries to report for Saturday's game versus Oregon.

Oregon vs. Rutgers Pick

Spread Pick for Oregon vs. Rutgers

• Rutgers +17 (4 Units)

Both teams had to travel cross-country for this game, as Rutgers played last week at Washington, and Oregon was home. That said, the Scarlet Knights had an extra day of rest and are traveling home. I'm curious to see how Lanning's team will respond after a disappointing loss against a mediocre opponent. A lackluster quarter or two could be the difference in covering the 17-point spread. I also believe Rutgers will be effective enough on offense to keep the final score within the 17-point spread. The Knights have consistently played pedal-to-the-medal this season due to their poor defensive play.

Bet on RU +17 or better.

Over/Under Pick for Oregon vs. Rutgers

• Over 60 (5 Units)

Oregon boasts electric offensive playmakers who will put the Scarlet Knights' defenders on their heels all game. Rutgers has allowed 60 passing plays of 10-plus yards (110th nationally) and 22 passing plays of 20-plus yards (106th) this season, ranking 102nd in overall plays of ten-plus yards allowed. However, Rutgers' offense has thrived in creating big-chunk plays, ranking 16th in overall plays of ten-plus yards, including third nationally in passing plays of ten-plus yards. These teams have also struggled defensively in the red zone, ranking last (Oregon) and 116th (Rutgers) in opponent red zone conversion percentage.

This game has the potential to be high-scoring and ripe with offensive highlights. Bet on the over!

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