I'm not nominating either team for having the defense of the year. Both team's offenses are much better than their respective defenses. But the setting and total make this a worthy under the total investment.

This total is through the roof in part because Oregon surrendered 70 points to Washington its last game and Cal has an outstanding quarterback. Davis Webb. Some of the Oregon players called out its defense following that brutal 70-21 loss to the Huskies.

But it's important to note the Ducks had a bye last week. They also had a player's only meeting this week. The Ducks have dropped four in a row. They are fresh following their bye, though, and should be extremely motivated after the Washington debacle. Webb hurt his hand during his last start, although he's expected to start. His top receiver, Chad Hansen, is dealing with an ankle injury.

Everything needs to line up perfect for an over to happen on a total this high. It's a tremendous plus for the under if Webb and Hansen are less than 100 percent.

The Golden Bears have a decent pass defense, ranking in the top 50. Oregon freshman quarterback Justin Herbert is set to make just his second start. The Ducks figure to do plenty of running, which eats clock. Cal shouldn't be taken by surprise by this also having had an extra week to rest, prepare and get fresh again since it also had a bye last week.

Oregon kept Jared Goff, the No. 1 overall draft pick, in check during last year's meeting beating the Golden Bears, 44-28. That total was lined at 75 1/2 so the combined 72 points went under marking the seventh time in the last nine meeting these two teams have gone beneath the total.