Liberty enters the Fiesta Bowl undefeated but is the biggest underdog of bowl season. Oregon is favored by more than two touchdowns.
The Ducks’ high-flying offense, led by Heisman Trophy finalist Bo Nix, is a big reason for the lopsided spread. Nix has said he will play in this game, which will be the last of his college career. Nix is second in the nation with 4,145 passing yards. Oregon also features a 1,000-yard rusher in Bucky Irving and two 1,000-yard receivers in Troy Franklin and Tez Johnson. Franklin has declared for the NFL Draft and is not expected to play after suffering a shoulder injury in the Pac-12 title game.
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Liberty showed an offense that is capable of keeping up in a shootout. The Flames are third in the country at 514.9 yards per game, one spot behind Oregon. Both teams averaged north of 40 points per game in the regular season. Oregon has two 1,000-yard receivers, but Liberty has two 1,000-yard rushers. Quarterback Kaidon Salter crossed that number along with running back Quinton Cooley. They combined for 28 touchdowns as part of the nation’s leading rushing attack.
The Flames are 13-0 and put up impressive numbers, but had one of the softest schedules in the country. Oregon will be Liberty’s first Power 5 opponent this season, and most of the teams on Liberty’s schedule did not make a bowl game.
This is Liberty’s fifth straight bowl appearance. The Flames are 3-1 in bowl games, but none were against Power 5 opponents. Oregon is 2-1 in the Fiesta Bowl.
All odds from BetMGM. Looking for college football tickets? Find them here.
What is the spread for Oregon vs. Liberty?
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How to watch and stream Oregon vs. Liberty
TV coverage is set for 1 p.m. ET on New Year’s Day at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. ESPN will provide coverage for the game and it will be streaming on the ESPN app.
Pregame reading
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College football picks against the spread: Bruce Feldman’s New Year’s Six bowl predictions
New Year’s Six previews: Does Liberty have a chance at the huge upset?
Dillon Gabriel transferring to Oregon from Oklahoma: Is he an ideal Bo Nix replacement?
Dante Moore, former 5-star QB recruit, transferring to Oregon: How he’ll fit with Dillon Gabriel
Jamey Chadwell is used to winning, but Liberty’s ascent is still a delight
(Photo of Bo Nix: Ric Tapia / Getty Images)
