Oregon State vs San Jose State Odds
| Oregon State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-14.5 -110 | 55.5 -105o / -115u | -750 |
| San Jose State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+14.5 -110 | 55.5 -105o / -115u | +525 |
We've got a handful of Sunday kickoffs in Week 1 with the NFL not starting up until next week.
I've got my eyes on Oregon State vs. San Jose State one in California, in large part because I'm intrigued to see the Beavers' 2023 debut.
In Action Network's preseason futures piece, I wrote about why I believe the Beavers are worth a look to win the Pac-12 at 11-1, as this team is loaded across the board.
Meanwhile, San Jose State heads home after being one of the few teams to start the year last Saturday in Week 0. The Spartans fell to USC, 56-28, in a game where they had no answer for the Trojans' high-powered offense.
Where does the betting value lie in this Sunday Pac 12/Mountain West battle? Let's discuss.
Oregon State Beavers
Can DJ Uiagalelei play with more freedom now that he's in a new environment? That's the million-dollar question for this Oregon State football team. Uiagalelei has the talent and experience to take the OSU offense to the next level if he can play to his potential.
Often at Clemson, DJU would look a little timid, and while never really playing poorly, he didn't take the big step that so many expected. I think a new system and Jonathan Smith's tutelage could be exactly what the doctor ordered.
There's no uncertainty on the other side of the ball for Oregon State. This is a defense that I expect to be one of the best in the Pac-12.
San Jose State found some chunk plays against USC last week, but that will be much more difficult against a Beavers defense that doesn't beat itself.
San Jose State Spartans
Chevan Cordeiro has the ability to keep San Jose State competitive throughout Mountain West play this season. Cordeiro threw for 20 touchdowns to just four interceptions a year ago while completing over 60% of his passes.
In the opener against USC, Cordeiro was once again good with the ball and had a couple of touchdown passes in tight windows.
Establishing a running game on Sunday will be critical in order to take some heat off of him and work the clock.
Defensively, I have real concerns about the SJSU unit, and it's not just because it allowed 56 to Caleb Williams and company. The Spartans have youth in the secondary which is always cause for concern against a dual-threat quarterback with a big arm and plenty of weapons at his disposal.
I also question whether or not San Jose State will be able to match the physicality of Oregon State and its power-rushing attack. Just as USC did, this feels like a game where Oregon State can essentially name its score.
Forcing a couple of turnovers is the biggest thing the Spartan defense can do to help them hang around in this one.
Oregon State vs. San Jose State
Betting Pick & Prediction
Ultimately, it's hard to ignore the fact that San Jose State had no way of stopping the USC offense last week. Although the Beavers aren't as high-powered as the Trojans, I don't see the Spartan defense providing much resistance once again in this matchup.
Oregon State should be able to own the trenches on both sides of the ball, and when DJ Uiagalelei does drop back to throw, he will have plenty of open receivers down the field.
The Beavers defense doesn't allow big plays, which will force the Spartans to have to methodically move the ball up and down the field. That's not a good recipe for success against a rock-solid Oregon State front.
Give me the Beavers to make an opening statement and secure the road victory comfortably on Sunday afternoon.
