Oregon vs. Liberty early odds outlook: Sportsbooks expect Ducks to trounce Flames in Fiesta Bowl

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Bo Nix will suit up in the green and yellow one last time when Oregon and Liberty go head-to-head on New Year’s Day in the Fiesta Bowl.

The Ducks failed to earn a bid to the College Football Playoff but project to have many key starters available for the Fiesta Bowl. Nix and Bucky Irving confirmed they will be active despite entering the 2024 NFL Draft.

Defensively, CB1 Khyree Jackson is also entering the draft after leading the Ducks with seven passes defended and three interceptions. Unlike Nix and Irving, Jackson is sitting out against Liberty.

Jackson Powers-Johnson won the 2023 Rimington Trophy, given to the nation’s best center, and will join the NFL ranks. However, it’s unclear if he’ll be available on Jan. 1.

Other notable players up in the air include Troy Franklin and Tez Johnson. The duo ranked second and fifth in Pac-12 receiving yards, respectively.

With Nix and Irving ready to go, oddsmakers have little faith in the Flames. Liberty had a perfect 13-0 season capped off with a Conference USA Championship but played no power five teams.

The Fiesta Bowl features one of the highest totals in bowl season, and for good reason. The Ducks and Flames finished the year with top-five scoring offenses in FBS, averaging a combined 89 points per game.

For now, no notable offensive starters have opted out for Liberty. Defensively, a few contributors have entered the transfer portal, which will hurt the Flames’ chances of slowing down Oregon.

With Jackson missing the game for the Ducks, Liberty QB Kaidon Salter should have an easier time moving the ball through the air. Salter tallied 2,750 yards, 31 touchdowns, and five interceptions.

Salter is also a playmaker with his legs, rushing for 1,064 yards and 12 touchdowns. The only QB with more yards on the ground was Heisman winner Jayden Daniels.

Nix and Irving’s commitment to suiting up will help Oregon’s offense see a minimal decline from the regular season and Pac-12 Championship. In two games against non-P5 opponents, the Ducks averaged 68 points.

If Franklin and Johnson are a go, Oregon and Liberty will have an excellent chance at hitting the absurdly high over. However, it’s unlikely that each of the Ducks entering the NFL Draft will play all four quarters if UO jumps to a hefty lead.

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