Oregon Ducks Face a Surprising Bowl Prediction Before Their Last Three Games
Playoff hopes remain uncertain
Oregon improved to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the Big Ten with its win over No. 12 Ohio State. The Ducks’ remaining opponents are Michigan, Michigan State and Washington.
The article describes a possible route to the Big Ten title game or a playoff at-large spot, but says it depends on several results: Oregon winning out, UCLA extending its undefeated run and USC giving Indiana a second regular-season loss. That route is possible, though precarious.
Crawford forecasts Holiday Bowl
In CBS Sports’ latest postseason projection, Brad Crawford leaves Oregon outside the 12-team playoff field and sends the Ducks to the Holiday Bowl against Wake Forest. His forecast has Wake Forest falling to No. 1 Miami in the ACC Championship and also missing the playoff rankings.
Crawford’s projected playoff field includes Boise State against Notre Dame, Alabama against BYU, UCLA against Kentucky, and Tennessee against Texas. Georgia, Utah, Indiana and Miami receive quarterfinal byes in his selection.
Ohio State win earns praise
Crawford pointed to Oregon’s response after falling behind by two touchdowns in Columbus. The Ducks scored 38 consecutive points and beat Ohio State on the road for their second ranked win of the season, following their victory over USC.
The story says Oregon became the first team to score 38 straight points against Ohio State at the Horseshoe since 1999. Crawford suggested the win could leave Dan Lanning’s team as the highest-ranked three-loss team in the next CFP top 25.
Wake Forest and bowl history
Wake Forest enters the projection at 8-1 overall and 5-1 in the ACC. The Demon Deacons recently beat Merrimack 77-0, with quarterback Steele Pizzella making his first career start and completing 23 of 28 passes for 432 yards and three touchdowns; he also ran for a score and 63 yards.
Oregon last played in the Holiday Bowl during Dan Lanning’s first season, in 2022, beating North Carolina 28-27. The Ducks are 3-1 in the bowl, with wins over Texas in 2000 and Oklahoma State in 2008, and a loss to Oklahoma in 2005.
Key points
- Oregon needs three wins to sustain its remaining playoff possibilities.
- Brad Crawford projects Oregon in the Holiday Bowl against Wake Forest.
- Oregon scored 38 straight points in its 41-28 win over Ohio State.
- The Ducks have a 3-1 record in the Holiday Bowl.