Oregon vs. Northwestern Prediction, Odds and Key Players to Watch for College Football Week 3

Oregon is a massive road favorite in Week 3.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is looking to lead his team to a 3-0 start. / Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The No. 4 Oregon Ducks have picked up massive wins against Montana State and Oklahoma State to open the 2025 season, and they’re favored heavily in their matchup against the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday afternoon. 

Northwestern scored just three points in a season-opening loss to Tulane, but it bounced back in a big way to defeat Western Illinois in Week 2. 

David Braun’s club is hoping to at least compete with the Ducks in Week 3, as it would be a good omen for the rest of the team's season.

Oregon’s Dante Moore (six passing scores in two games) has been great to open the season, but can he lead the Ducks to a cover this week?

Let’s dive into the odds, players to watch and my prediction for this Week 3 clash. 

Oregon vs. Northwestern Odds, Spread and Total

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Spread

• Oregon -27.5 (-112)
• Northwestern +27.5 (-108)

Moneyline

• Oregon: -6500
• Northwestern: +2000

Total

• 48.5 (Over -112/Under -108)

Oregon vs. Northwestern How to Watch

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 13
• Time: 12:00 p.m. EST
• Venue: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
• How to Watch (TV): FOX
• Oregon record: 2-0
• Northwestern record: 1-1 

Oregon vs. Northwestern Key Player to Watch

Dante Moore, Quarterback, Oregon

Through two games, Moore has completed 77.3 percent of his passes for 479 yards and six scores, leading the Ducks to two insane offensive performances.

Now, Moore faces a Northwestern team that has been really solid against the pass (allowing only 131 passing yards per game) to open 2025.

Oregon has been an NFL quarterback factory in recent seasons, and Moore is looking to show that he belongs in that conversation as well. The Ducks have a date with Oregon State after this week before a few ranked opponents (Penn State and Indiana) pop up on the schedule.

A big game against Northwestern could go a long way for Moore’s confidence as the season progresses. 

Oregon vs. Northwestern Prediction and Pick

Northwestern’s 3-point showing against Tulane makes it really hard for me to bet on it to cover this number on Saturday.

The Wildcats are averaging three turnovers per game this season, and that won’t fly against an Oregon defense that has given up just 16 points in 2025 while allowing only 227.5 yards per game.

This is a tough matchup for Northwestern quarterback Preston Stone, who threw for just 161 yards and four picks in the loss to Tulane in Week 1.

Oregon has wins by 46 and 66 to open the 2025 season, and the offense has been dominant in all facets as running backs Jayden Limar and Noah Whittington are both averaging over 11 yards per carry.

I have to back the Ducks to win this game in a blowout on Saturday. 

Pick: Oregon -27.5 (-112 at DraftKings)

---

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Claim the latest DraftKings promo code offer today. Sign up and place a $5 bet to earn a guaranteed $200 in bonus bets plus over $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket. Regardless of the outcome of your wager,DraftKings will add eight $25 bonus bet tokens to your new account and award one promo code for a discounted NFL Sunday ticket subscription.