College Football Picks: Portland State vs. Oregon (Friday)
The first few weeks of the 2026 college football season have been nothing short of thrilling. Week 3’s slate features a trio of games on Friday night - an ACC showdown, a battle of top-25 squads and an in-state clash highlight the schedule. With that said, here's a look at my favorite college football picks for Friday's contest Portland State vs. Oregon.
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Friday’s Best College Football Picks: Portland State vs. Oregon
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Portland State Vikings vs. No. 21 Oregon Ducks
Oregon tumbled down the rankings following its 39-31 loss to Oklahoma State in Week 2. Quarterback Dante Moore completed only 14 of his 29 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns. The Ducks also averaged a mediocre 3.0 yards per carry. This result comes after they narrowly escaped with a 34-27 win over Boise State in Week 1. Head coach Dan Lanning’s squad needs a statement victory, and that is exactly what is lined up for them on Friday. Oregon is a 57.5-point favorite at home versus Portland State.
The Vikings are 0-3 on the year. They have suffered a 31-24 loss to UC Davis, a 53-20 loss to San Diego State and a 47-23 loss to North Dakota. Facing a fuming Oregon roster intent on righting its wrongs is not ideal. After all, the Ducks have won 34 straight contests against opponents outside of the FBS. They have won all six of their all-time matchups against Portland State, outscoring the Vikings 366 to 49 during that stretch. This is a mismatch in every sense of the word, so it’s worth diving deeper to unlock an edge.
I’m going to bank on Portland State earning a first down on their opening drive. It’s a feat the Vikings have accomplished in all three games so far. While Oregon is a massive step up in competition, it is not an impenetrable defense. Boise State converted two third-downs during their opening drive. Oklahoma State ripped off a 75-yard run on its first play from scrimmage. One completion from quarterback Gabe Downing or one burst from running back Delon Thompson is all it takes to cash this wager at plus odds.
Pick: Portland State to Achieve a First Down on First Drive (+109)