With uncertainty surrounding Oregon's quarterback situation, betting odds have shifted in Utah's favor
On Sunday, the No. 12 Oregon Ducks opened as slight favorites over the No. 10 Utah Utes ahead of their Week 12 showdown in Eugene.
But with the health status of Oregon quarterback Bo Nix unclear, the line has quickly shifted in Utah’s favor.
According to Vegas Insider, the Utes opened as 2.5-point underdogs on Sunday. The line moved to 3 points later that evening.
Wednesday evening, though, the line changed rapidly. Oregon went from 3-point favorites to 1.5-point underdogs in less than four hours.
As of 8:43 a.m. PT Thursday, the line remained at 1.5 in Utah’s favor.
It’s fair to assume to rapidly shifting odds are at least partially due to a lack of clarity surrounding Nix’s availability.
The Ducks’ senior signal-caller is in the midst of a career season and is tied for the FBS lead with 39 total touchdowns.
But during Oregon’s 37-34 loss to Washington last weekend, suffered an apparent right leg injury on a quarterback keeper and left the game. He went straight to the medical tent and was replaced by redshirt freshman Ty Thompson on the ensuing drive.
Nix returned for the final drive of the game, which ended with an incomplete pass as time expired.
In the days that have followed, Oregon’s fans have been holding their collective breath as they await news on Nix’s status.
With kickoff between the Ducks and the Utes less than 72 hours away, there still isn’t much clarity.
Oregon coach Dan Lanning declined to discuss the availability of Nix — or any other player — on Monday.
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“I’m not gonna share really any update with anybody,” Lanning said. “We came away dinged in that game. I will say: I feel a lot more positive today after getting to hear some news on where things are at right now.”
Sophomore receiver Kris Hutson was asked about his confidence in Thompson and redshirt freshman Jay Butterfield on Wednesday and offered an answer that has led many Oregon fans to speculate that Nix will be unavailable against the Utes.
“We’re very confident. They both are two great quarterbacks,” Hutson said. “Obviously, Bo is down, so it’s the next man up. (Thompson) is good at decision-making. He has a great arm. He can extend plays. He’s learned a lot from Bo, so he’s kind of taken his game to the next level also.
“Ty is a good player — a great quarterback. Very smart. I can’t wait to see him out there ready to go.”
Thompson is a former 4-star recruit and came to Oregon as the highest-ranked quarterback recruit in program history. In six cameo appearances this season, he is 11-for-20 passing for 72 touchdowns and has thrown two interceptions.
Starting offensive linemen Alex Forsyth and Ryan Walk are also questionable for Saturday after both players left the Washington game with injuries.
Oregon and Utah will kickoff Saturday at 7:30 p.m. PT at Autzen Stadium, with the game scheduled to air on ESPN.
