Oregon State vs. UNLV predictions, picks and best bets: Can Beavers pull upset at home?

On Saturday night, Oregon State will play UNLV in a college football game that should be an explosive offensive showcase between two teams who are poised for success.

Reser Stadium will host kickoff on Saturday at 7 p.m. Below are our picks and predictions for the match.

Oregon State vs. UNLV predictions and best bets



  • UNLV -6.5:

    -108 on

    DraftKings



  • Over 59.5 total points:

    -122 on

    FanDuel

Although 59.5 is a great number, it is insufficient in what looks to be a shootout between the two offenses. In the three games that UNLV has started with quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams, the team has averaged 50 points per game. 41 against Syracuse was the lowest total over that time.

Oregon State has demonstrated that it has the firepower to add to this number by scoring more than 30 points in each of its last two games.

Both sides of the football field are home to UNLV’s playmakers. That ought to keep these two teams apart. Both will contribute significantly to the scoring output that ensures UNLV wins by a touchdown or more and ends this game easily.

Oregon State vs. UNLV moneyline odds analysis

Why UNLV could win as the favorite

FanDuel Sportsbook offers the best odds with a -230 moneyline.

After a 3-0 start, many were surprised when quarterback Matthew Sluka decided to sit out the rest of the season in order to transfer, leaving many to worry how UNLV would handle without its primary quarterback.

Rather than allowing it to stall the momentum, UNLV has shown great promise and, three weeks later, is 5-1 with an even more potent attack that is fueled by Williams’ dual-threat skills.

This team has been put to the test several times this season, but the overtime loss against Syracuse still hurts. It has established itself as one of the nation’s best Group of Five schools.

The main attraction is wide receiver Ricky White, who leads the Mountain West Conference in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

The team boasts some playmakers on defense. Veteran leaders LB Jackson Woodard and DB Jalen Catalon are capable of coming up with big-time plays at any point to totally shift the tide in UNLV’s favor.

This program and head coach Barry Odom have the talent. UNLV should have no trouble winning on Saturday night if they give it their all.

Why Oregon State could win as the underdog

Best odds with Fanatics Sportsbook: +220 moneyline

There were several highlights in the Beavers’ performance, but they were upset to lose to Nevada on the road last week.

In addition to throwing for a career-high 348 yards, quarterback Gevani McCoy demonstrated some growth as a playmaker, which should give the offense more confidence as it develops.

Throwing three interceptions, the rookie quarterback was still too loose with the ball. He ought to be alright if the Beavers can manage the game without forcing an all-out air-raid.

The team’s rushing offense continues to be its defining characteristic. Through the first half of the regular season, running backs Anthony Hankerson and Jam Griffin have amassed more than 1,000 yards between them. Both backs must be prepared to make an impact if the shock Beavers are to win on Saturday.

Hankerson will be asked to shoulder a significant amount of work if Griffin is kept out again, as he was last weekend.

In any event, the Beavers can pull off the upset because they have the home field advantage and firepower.

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