The Oregon Ducks are still fighting for a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, even after their tough loss to Indiana. Fans are asking: Is there still hope?
The answer is yes — but only one difficult path remains. Let’s break down what the Ducks must do to keep their dream alive.
Oregon’s Current Standing
Right now, Oregon is ranked No. 8 in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings. The team has three more games left — against Minnesota, USC, and Washington.
If the Ducks win all three, they could still reach the CFP Playoff, and possibly host a first-round game. However, getting a first-round bye seems very unlikely unless other teams above them lose.
Why the Loss to Indiana Hurts
Earlier this season, Oregon’s loss to Indiana put them in a difficult position. Indiana is currently 7-0 in conference games, while Oregon stands behind because of that defeat.
Indiana’s next two opponents are Wisconsin and Purdue, who together hold a weak 1-12 conference record. This means Indiana will likely win both games.
So, unless Indiana loses both upcoming matches, Oregon cannot pass them in the standings.
The Only Path for Oregon
To make it to the Big Ten Championship, Oregon must win all remaining games and hope that Ohio State (OSU) drops at least one of its last three matchups.
Here’s how the situation looks:
| Team | Current Record | Remaining Opponents | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 7-0 | Wisconsin, Purdue | Must lose both for Oregon to pass |
| Ohio State | 6-1 | UCLA, Rutgers, Michigan | Must lose at least one game |
| Oregon | 6-1 | Minnesota, USC, Washington | Must win all three games |
How an Ohio State Loss Helps Oregon
According to USA Today’s Paul Myerberg, if Ohio State loses to Michigan or UCLA, it could boost Oregon’s common opponent winning percentage — a key tiebreaker factor.
If OSU were to lose to Rutgers, then Oregon would still finish ahead due to a better record among shared Big Ten opponents.
However, none of these scenarios will matter if Oregon fails to win its final three games.
Tough Games Ahead
Oregon’s path is not easy:
- USC is currently ranked No. 17 in the CFP rankings and always plays strong football.
- Washington may have dropped out of the rankings, but they remain dangerous — especially since that game will be in Seattle, where home advantage could be a challenge.
- Minnesota, though not ranked, has a solid defense that could make life tough for the Ducks.
To stay alive, Oregon must stay focused and deliver top performance in all three games.
What About USC and Michigan?
Both USC and Michigan still have slim chances to reach the Big Ten Championship, but only if they win every remaining game. Even then, they’ll need help from other teams losing key matchups.
The road to the Big Ten Championship for Oregon is narrow but not impossible. The Ducks must win out, and Ohio State needs to slip up. Fans will be watching every game closely because one loss from OSU could change everything.
For now, Oregon’s destiny depends not just on their hard work but also on a bit of luck from other teams.