Prediction: No. 7 Oregon Ducks vs. Boise State Broncos

Oregon running back Jordan James (20) attempts to break a tackle by Idaho defensive back Tommy McCormick (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Lydia Ely)

By STEVEN VAUGHAN

Each week Steven Vaughan will predict the score of every Oregon Ducks game. This week the Ducks are in Eugene playing against the Boise State Broncos. The Ducks are -19 against Boise State on Saturday.

In a day and age of wanting instant gratification. The Oregon Ducks squeaked past the Idaho Vandals 24-14 in week one of the college football season. Now there is talk of Oregon being overrated and not a playoff contender. I like to think I don’t give into prisoner-of-the-moment happenings, but it’s hard not to after that game on Saturday. Oregon got held to 2.9 yards per carry, and the offensive line got pushed around by lower-level Idaho. In comes Boise State who may have the best running back in the nation in Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty ran for 267 yards and 6 touchdowns against Georgia Southern. Good thing for the Ducks I don’t question the defense. Jeanty will get his touches and yards, but the Oregon defense can contain him enough. It will then be on Dillon Gabriel to make plays down the field. I tend to think the offensive game plan was very vanilla against Idaho in week one. But to only score 24 points and check down pass every single play worries me. I expect Oregon to win the game, but I can’t get to 19 points. Boise State will keep this close for three quarters and Oregon pulls away in the fourth.

Oregon 35, Boise State 21

Boise State +19