Ranking Oregon's Remaining Games
I’m about to hit you with a harsh reality. There are only five more regular season games on the Oregon schedule. Sure there’s a potential conference championship and whatever bowl or playoff games the Ducks get, but only five more are guaranteed. (Yes I know Oregon is already bowl eligible, so call it six if it makes you feel better.)
One of Oregon’s toughest games is this coming weekend. But the reality is Oregon will be favored, likely by double digits in every game moving forward. The other reality is, everyone will be lining up to give Oregon their best shot and take down the “No. 1 team” for bragging rights.
Which frankly makes every game ahead dangerous to a degree.
Here are my rankings of those games remaining on Oregon’s schedule.
- Washington – Not because they are good. But because they are good enough to be a threat and there is potential Oregon is undefeated still. If that’s the case, the Huskies will go for broke with nothing to lose, making them a dangerous team in a rivalry game.
- Wisconsin – Somehow this Wisconsin team lost to USC in late September. However they are rolling in October and are 3-0 so far. This could prove to be a tough road test for Oregon as Camp Randall is a hostile environment of its own.
- Illinois – I think this team is playing well and will come in with some real confidence after beating Michigan. As we know Michigan isn’t all that good and if you’re reading this far, you see I have them ranked below these three. Illinois will test Oregon to play sound football this weekend. I’m glad it’s at home.
- Michigan – This is a truly one-dimensional team that Oregon should be able to move the ball against and stop them on defense. The only thing that gives me some pause about this one becoming a complete blowout is it being in Ann Arbor. Still Oregon should roll through the Wolverines.
- Maryland – Nice win over USC but they aren’t very good. It’s also a home game for Oregon. The only common opponent here is Michigan State who beat the Terps in September. They have Minnesota this week before heading to Eugene in two weeks.
