Oregon's Win Over Boise St Might Be More Impressive Than You Think

No. 2 Oregon entered Saturday's season opener as a 24-point favorite to beat Boise State at Autzen Stadium. The Ducks barely held on to beat the Broncos 34-27 in Week 1. 

Oregon did a lot of things well against Boise State, winning the battle of total yards 497-274. However, the Ducks showed they have a lot to clean up. They had the game's only turnover, committed 10 penalties for 90 yards, and went 0 for 3 on fourth down. Oregon's defense allowed Boise State to go 2 for 3 on fourth down.

During "Josh Pate's College Football Show" on Sunday, the host made an argument for why Oregon's win was more impressive than some people are giving it credit for this week. Boise State is a favorite to win the Pac-12 and make the College Football Playoff, and is better than a few Big Ten programs the Ducks will face this season.

“I think Boise is better, frankly, than some conference opponents that Oregon is going to face this year," Pate said. "But I will say this about Boise. One of the big lies in college football is a win is a win...

"But Oregon, a winner, I don't think Boise is a huge loser in this equation, quite frankly. I still think they're my pick to go to the playoff. Boise's got Memphis coming in there in a couple of weeks.”

Pate doesn't seem worried about Oregon's chances after holding Boise State off in a tight game.

“And then you look at the final score and you're like, what happened? Wow," Pate said. "Well, what happened is Boise is just a really good team. I know some people watch this game or they saw the final score and they're like, uh-oh, uh-oh for Oregon. Maybe.

"I don't necessarily know. Like the season will bear that out. I think Boise is just a really good team."

The Ducks will travel to play Oklahoma State on Saturday. The Cowboys lost to Tulsa in Week 1, so the contest will provide Oregon an opportunity to put up style points before playing Portland State in Week 3.