Nebraska vs. Oregon Prediction, CFB Week 7 Odds & Best Bets (10/17)

Fact checked at 6:51 AM ET, Oct 17, 2026

Odds as of Oct 17, 6:43 AM ET

Oregon opened as a 21.5-point favorite on Oct 4. It's now laying 7, and the quarterback room is why. Dante Moore suffered a concussion against USC on Sep 26 and misses a second straight game. Dylan Raiola went 6 of 19 with two interceptions in last week's 17-15 home loss to UCLA, so Oregon is expected to hand third-stringer Brock Thomas the first start of his career. Thomas was 11 of 15 for 156 yards and a touchdown in relief that night, and those 15 throws are close to half of his 36 career attempts. Receiver Jeremiah McClellan and running back Simeon Price are out, and leading receiver Evan Stewart is doubtful.

Nebraska comes in 5-1. Its only loss was 20-17 at home to Indiana last Saturday, a game in which the Huskers were getting more than a touchdown. They have covered four of their last five and haven't allowed more than 23 points to anyone this season. All three picks come from that matchup: Nebraska's defense keeps a first-time starter in check, and Anthony Colandrea throws enough to win outright or keep it within a touchdown. It's an 11:00 PM ET start at Autzen Stadium on FOX, and the night should be dry and mild.

Nebraska vs. Oregon Predictions

• Pick #1: Nebraska +7 (-120)
• Pick #2: Anthony Colandrea 210+ Passing Yards (-115)
• Pick #3: Kwazi Gilmer Anytime Touchdown (+140)

PICK #1: Nebraska +7 (-120)

Oregon needs a quarterback with 36 career attempts to beat a defense that has given up 7, 7, 13, 23 and 20 points in its last five games. Last week, without Moore from the start, the Ducks managed 272 yards and turned it over seven times as a 10-point home favorite. Now they're also down McClellan and Price, with Stewart doubtful.

Nebraska's one loss came by three to an Indiana team favored by more than a touchdown. Seven points is a lot of cushion for the steadier team, and -120 puts the break-even at 54.5%. The late start after a trip across two time zones could cost them, and so could a Thomas who plays the way he did in relief.

PICK #2: Anthony Colandrea 210+ Passing Yards (-115)

Colandrea has thrown for at least 212 yards in all five of Nebraska's games against FBS opponents: 275 against Ohio, 222 against Bowling Green, 212 at Michigan State, 238 against Maryland and 264 against Indiana. He threw 39 and 43 times in the last two. Oregon gave up 317 passing yards at Oklahoma State and 326 at USC, and UCLA threw for 205 on 23 attempts.

A -115 price implies 53.5% on a mark he has cleared every time he's faced an FBS defense. A comfortable Nebraska lead and a second half spent running the ball would hurt, but on his lightest workload, 24 attempts against Bowling Green, he still threw for 222.

PICK #3: Kwazi Gilmer Anytime Touchdown (+140)

Gilmer has caught six of Colandrea's 12 touchdown passes against FBS teams, and he has scored in four of those five games: once against Ohio, twice against Bowling Green, once in a 101-yard day at Michigan State and twice on 11 catches for 147 yards against Maryland.

Indiana did hold him to three catches for 31 yards last week, while Jacory Barney Jr. caught nine for 108, and a repeat of that target split would sink this. But Oregon has allowed 27 or more to three of its four major-college opponents, and +140 only needs him to score 41.7% of the time.

21+ (18+ where permitted). Odds subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.