Do we have a chance to go to the playoff? I think not. Ducks will be lucky to win the North division. I agree with Confused that UCLA will win in two weeks, and I expect another loss as well. Most fans seem to think that Cal is a sure win but it could be a game where it all comes together for them and they romp. As we've seen, any Pac12 team can win on any given weekend.
IMO, the whole rankings/playoff picture was skewed before the season with writers and pundits and conference level hopes, so Oregon was placed in a higher ranking than I think was justified merely to keep a door open for a Pac12 playoff berth. They said the Pac12 ‘needed’ to show up in the playoffs this year and so they chose Oregon to hang their lofty expectations upon. Does anyone really believe Ducks were top five material to start the season?
A loss is monumental and in some ways, we’re right back to the old system of rankings where the favorites get voted to the top spots based on favoritism, W/L record, and TV ratings. Larry Scott being mostly AOL didn’t help either.
We REALLY need a larger playoff group but I fear that ultimately will lead nowhere for the Pac12. The SEC and some name favorites from years past, via ESPN (think money and big fan markets) and some others, will find a way to get their top share of attention. The only way for Oregon, and probably any team in the conference, is to win and win BIG so then they can’t be denied.
Chip had his system, but he always preached one game at a time. His teams were ready to play and their focus was disciplined enough to keep on winning. I think the current team and the head coach lack that kind of discipline.
Ohio State, to start the season, was trading on their reputation. The Ducks had practiced for them for weeks, and the Buckeyes didn’t look like a great team. They didn’t adjust defensively and had some kinks on offense and, I think, assumed they’d be able to win. They are a different team now, and so are the Ducks, so the comparison doesn’t mean much now, really. I agree, if it comes down to Oregon or Ohio St in the playoffs, the Buckeyes get the nod.