At 8-1 with a 6-0 conference record, the path forward for the Oregon Ducks was pretty simple. If they won out, not only would they likely get into the College Football Playoff, but they’d be a shoo-in for the Pac-12 Championship Game as well.
At 8-2 with a 6-1 conference record, things get a bit more complicated.
Oregon’s loss to Washington on Saturday not only sent the Ducks’ playoff hopes up in flames, but it opened up the race for the conference title once again. Here are the current Pac-12 standings for teams that are still eligible to make it to Las Vegas:
- USC (9-1, 7-1)
- Oregon (8-2, 6-1)
- Utah (8-2, 6-1)
- UCLA (8-2, 5-2)
- Washington (8-2, 5-2)
Obviously, the three teams with only one conference loss have the best chance of getting in. However, two of those teams — Oregon and Utah — play each other next week, so one will be given a second Pac-12 loss and be virtually eliminated from the running.
You also have USC and UCLA facing off next week down in Los Angeles, which could completely eliminate the Bruins, or further complicate things with a USC loss.
Suffice it to say, there’s a ton that can happen over the next couple of weeks. We tried to break down the different scenarios for you:
If Oregon wins out…
They’re in. Simple as that. If the Ducks can finish their season with a one-loss Pac-12 record, then they are guaranteed to have at least a share of the top spot in the conference rankings and would be guaranteed a spot in Las Vegas at the start of December. That starts with a win over Utah this coming week and finishes with a win over Oregon State to end the regular season. It’s going to be tough, but it’s very doable.
If USC beats UCLA…
Then the Trojans are in. USC only has one conference game remaining, so a win over UCLA this coming weekend would give them a 8-1 conference record and a guaranteed spot in the Pac-12 Championship, regardless of what they do against…
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