Oregon Has Forced CFP Committee to Make a Decision, and That's Saying Something

After what seemed like Oregon's season was done beyond belief, the Ducks responded in a very impressive way, taking down Ohio State 41-28 on the road. There were obviously factors in why Ohio State looked the way it did, including quarterback Julian Sayin's injury, but the reality is that this was a great win. 

Every other program in the country would be happy with this win, so every Oregon fan should feel a similar way. It also put Oregon in a very good position to possibly make the College Football Playoff, perhaps putting them in a better position now than we've seen over the past couple of weeks.

With back-to-back wins against Northwestern and Ohio State, and only losing to UCLA by two points, I don't think it's crazy to say that this team deserves a chance in the playoffs. 

ESPN is almost in the same boat, ranking the Ducks No. 19 in the country and giving a ton of praise to quarterback Dylan Raiola for what he's been able to do in Dante Moore's absence.

“After a couple of wobbly moments, the Ducks have rediscovered their footing. And suddenly, following the dominant 41-28 at Ohio State, Oregon is back in the mix for the Big Ten title and potentially even a playoff berth. 

“The defense was suffocating in a 38-0 run at the Horseshoe, during which the Ducks forced four consecutive turnover on downs. Offensively, Dakorien Moore, Brandon Smith, Evan Stewart, Jamari Johnson and Dierre Hill Jr. all made plays, underscoring Oregon's deep skill talent, and junior quarterback Dylan Raiola displayed the poise of an experienced quarterback. After the loss at Illinois last month, Oregon's season seemed all but done. It turns out it wasn't,” Jake Trotter of ESPN wrote.

The big question here is whether Oregon is going to win the final three games of the season. Oregon does play Michigan, and while I have a lot of respect for that program, the reality is that Michigan just isn't a great team this year. Michigan State and Washington aren't exactly world-beaters, either, so I have a tough time imagining that Oregon is going to lose either of those games. 

We also have to factor in that Oregon is only going to be a nine-win team with three losses, as well as its starting quarterback being out. 

The committee is going to have to make a decision in that regard, but we're at least now at the point where Oregon has forced them to make a decision.

We should be proud that Oregon got to this point with all the adversity it faced, even if people want to bring up the expensive roster.