Ducks still favored to beat Buckeyes

First Posted: 1/9/2015

DALLAS — Oregon, first listed as a 7-point favorite over Ohio State by the Glantz-Culver line in Monday’s national championship game, is now favored by just 6 points.

The Ducks (13-1) and Buckeyes (13-1) meet in AT&T Stadium in the inaugural College Football Playoff title game.

Led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota, high-scoring Oregon was the higher rated team at No. 2 when the four playoff teams were announced on Dec. 7. The Buckeyes, who have relied on third-string quarterback Cardale Jones due to injuries, were No. 4. But they upended top-ranked Alabama 42-35 in the Sugar Bowl.

Oregon was established as a 7-point favorite largely off its 59-20 dismantling of unbeaten defending national champion Florida State in the Rose Bowl.