Oregon Ducks vs. Northwestern Wildcats Picks and Prediction - September 13, 2025
Turning our attention to Big Ten action, we’re dropping our team breakdowns and Oregon vs. Northwestern picks and predictions for you. No. 4 Oregon (2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS) smoked Oklahoma State, 69-3, as -28.5 favorites at home last weekend. Northwestern (1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS), picked up a win over FCS side Western Illinois, 42-7, as -31.5 favorites at home. Kickoff from Martin Stadium is scheduled for Noon EST and with a full day of action ahead, we have the best College Football Picks to help you out!
Oregon domination taking flight
While it would have been expected for the fourth-ranked Ducks to blowout their first week opponent, Montana State, it would be hard to believe anyone had them beating a power conference side by much more. But, that’s exactly what Oregon did last week when they pummeled Oklahoma State behind an offense that scored 20-plus points in each of the first three quarters before cruising. The team accumulated 631 total yards and Dante Moore led a passing attack that had 319 yards. The sophomore quarterback connected on 76% of his passes and had three touchdown strikes. The defense held the Cowboys to 211 total yards and just nine first downs. They forced two turnovers out of them, both pick sixes, and they had two sacks in the win.
"It's amazing to go out there and just know, if we play at a level that we know we can play at, it's going to be total domination," said receiver Gary Bryant Jr. following last week's win, via GoDucks.com.
Through two games, Oregon has outscored opponents 128-16. The offense is ninth in the country with an average of 568.5 total yards per game, backed by a rushing game averaging 282.5 yards a game, fifth best in the league. They’ve been able to pick up 53 first downs in two games while going a combined 14-for-22 on third down opportunities. On the defensive side, they are giving up 227.5 total yards with a focus on the run game, where they’ve held foes to 95 yards per game. The Ducks' D has five sacks to date and those two pick-sixes last weekend account for their interception total. They are one of three Big Ten defenses yet to allow a team in the end zone.
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Team notes
- The Ducks had 10 players of at least 20 yards and five of at least 40 yards against Oklahoma State.
- The offensive line has yet to allow a sack and has allowed only three tackles for loss.
- Oregon has won 20 straight games in the regular season, the longest active streak in the country.
- This was the first time since 2015 that the team scored 59 points or more in back-to-back games.
- The 16 touchdowns scored by the offense have come via eight different players.
Northwestern offense awakens
After taking an embarrassing road loss at Tulane to open their season, the Wildcats were able to bounce back, albeit against an FCS school, with a big win last weekend. The team bookended the effort with 14-plus points on each end and allowed only a late, fourth-quarter touchdown. The defense was the story of the day, giving up just 181 total yards and only 71 via the rush. They held Western Illinois to 10 first downs, forced a turnover out of them, and sacked their quarterback twice. Defensive lineman Carmine Baston got credit for a sack and a half and was one of six players with a team-high four tackles. Northwestern’s offense balanced out their 526 yards, with an edge to the run game, 288 yards. Quarterback Preston Stone found nine different receivers on the day as he went 21-29 for 245 yards and three touchdowns.
"We stuck to our game plan and just focused on playing fast and making plays," said cornerback Josh Fussell after last week’s win, via NUSports.com. "Even at halftime, we came in and [were] up a little bit. We immediately said the score was 0-0. Everybody was playing fast, focusing on the assignment and that led to success at all three levels."
The Northwestern offense was able to wake up after coming back from Louisiana with just a field goal to show for their efforts. Northwestern’s offense has gained an average of 381.5 total yards per game, balanced by 203 yards in the passing game and 178.5 via the ground. They’ve garnered 44 first downs in two games while going 13-for-28 on third downs. The Wildcats’ defense has given up 301 total yards per game, faring better versus the pass where they’ve allowed only 131 yards per game. They haven’t put a ton of pressure on the opposing quarterback, getting only three sacks and forcing just one interception thus far.
Team notes
- Stone have thrown for 406 yards and three touchdowns in two games, but his four interceptions are second most in the country.
- Ten different receivers have caught at least two passes.
- The running game is averaging 5.3 yards per carry.
- Defensive back Robert Fitzgerald is sixth among Big Ten players with 17 tackles.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Rob Vincilleti | +1,502.00 |
| 2 |  Pro Sports Picks | +1,421.00 |
| 3 |  Brick Haus Sports | +634.00 |
| 4 |  David Delano | +492.00 |
| 5 |  Michael Briggs | +355.00 |
Oregon vs. Northwestern Picks
Spread Pick for Oregon vs. Northwestern
- Oregon -28 (5 units)
This is only the second meeting ever between the programs and first in the Big Ten. Northwestern was victorious, 14-10, in the lone meeting back in October of 1974. Things have certainly changed a bit in the 51 years since these two last crossed paths. Oregon is a powerhouse now, not so much back then. The Ducks have opened their season in powerhouse fashion and last week’s win over Oklahoma State gave pause to many. They dominated every stage of the game but maybe more impressive was how fast it happened. Before their opponents can even react, they’ve had them down and out, allowing them to cruise a bit, which says that things could have been even worse for their opponents. The Wildcats' D-line is already struggling to get pressure in the opposition’s backfield and now they face off against one of the most dominant offensive lines in the country. Northwestern’s offense is also going to struggle mightily, since Oregon will not give them any room to pass the ball, leaving them to try and break through their massive front. That’s not happening here. Oregon continues to roll.
Take the Ducks giving the points.
Over/Under Pick for Oregon vs. Northwestern
- Over 48.5
This is the first Big Ten matchup between the schools, so it should be interesting to see how they handle each other. Oregon has shown itself capable of taking this number and turning it on its head all by itself. They are averaging an astounding 64 points per game and while they should have a bit more resistance against them this week than they’ve seen thus far, they are still going to put a big number on the board here. I firmly expect the Ducks to clear 40 on their own. Putting things in Northwestern’s hands, I feel like they’ll be able to contribute just enough here, though I’m not expecting a lot. They did get things rolling last week on the offensive end and Oregon, if up big, will take their foot off the gas, which could allow a late Wildcats score
Take the over.
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