Oregon Football: 3 takeaways from comeback win over Washington State

1. Ducks in College Football Playoff?

The inevitable question continues after tonight’s win: What are the Ducks’ chances of making the 2020 College Football Playoff?

Recognizing the odd 2020 setup, there are still a few important factors to consider considering the race to make it to the final four teams.

Will a strong, second-best power conference team make it to the CFP — perhaps a team like Florida, Clemson/Notre Dame, or Wisconsin? Or will an upstart Group of Five undefeated team like Cincinnati, BYU (independent), Coastal Carolina, or Marshall make enough of a statement to demand consideration by the CFP Committee, despite largely playing only fellow conference members?

As crazy as it sounds, the “eye test” may be more important this season than in other years. In essence, a one-possession win against a team that turns out to be middle-of-the-pack in the Pac-12 may not speak well of the Ducks. If you could spin it a different way, a convincing road win against an upper-echelon conference opponent might be one of the difference makers for a team in Oregon’s position.