Midseason College Football Playoff Predictions
Oct 11, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs 23 yards for a touchdown against UCLA Bruins in the third quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
4. Oregon Ducks
This one I wouldn’t be all in on two weeks ago, but after watching Oregon dismantle UCLA like they did last week, I’m more confident in this prediction. The Ducks have the best Quarterback in the country in Marcus Mariota and a number of ridiculously speedy weapons. Along with skill positions, the Ducks have two leaders on the offensive line in Jake Fisher and Hroniss Grasu who both look like day two picks at this point in time. Oregon’s achilles heel is its defense which is currently ranked 109th in the country. That’s atrocious, but they put up an even more ridiculous amount of points. Also, another question mark is if Mark Helfrich can win big games. Last year, the Ducks only made it to the Alamo Bowl, which is unacceptable in Eugene but it was his first year. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.
The Remaining Schedule
- At California
- These teams are currently number 13 and 14 in total offense. This should be a VERY high scoring game but the Ducks are way more talented and efficient.
- Stanford
- Over the past two seasons, Stanford has been Oregon’s kryptonite. Stanford has the second best defense in the country but is conversely very bad on offense. This will once again, be a very low scoring game but Oregon breaks their two season losing streak to Stanford.
- At Utah
- I think the Utes are currently overrated. They aren’t phenomenal on either side of the ball but they have been able to beat some solid teams. Oregon is a different animal though. Ducks win big.
- Colorado
- The Buffs don’t have a win in the Pac 12 yet. They are better than their record but will still get handled by Oregon.
- At Oregon State
- The Beavers are decent at best. They have hung with a couple teams, but won’t be able to match Oregon’s talent.