Nick Saban Discusses Oregon’s Playoff Chances on ESPN College GameDay
The College Football Playoff (CFP) race is heating up as the season enters its ninth week. The Big Ten standings are crowded, with seven teams each holding just one conference loss.
Among these teams, the Oregon Ducks stand out. Still, they’ve got a lot to prove—at least according to legendary coach Nick Saban.
This article takes a look at the Big Ten’s wild race, the challenges left for Oregon, and their chances of making the CFP.
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The Big Ten’s Tight Race
The Big Ten is having one of its most competitive seasons in recent memory. Seven teams are tied with one loss each, so the race for the conference title—and maybe a CFP spot—is more intense than ever.
Here are the teams still in the hunt:
- No. 6 Oregon Ducks
- Northwestern Wildcats
- USC Trojans
- Iowa Hawkeyes
- No. 25 Michigan Wolverines
- Minnesota Golden Gophers
- UCLA Bruins
Each team has shown flashes of greatness. But there are plenty of hurdles left in the season, and it feels like anyone could rise to the top—or fall off entirely.
Nick Saban’s Perspective
Nick Saban, one of college football’s most respected voices, weighed in on the Big Ten during a recent ESPN College GameDay episode. He pointed out that Ohio State and Indiana have already proven themselves, but Oregon? Not so much—at least, not yet.
Saban called out the Ducks’ upcoming games against Iowa, Minnesota, USC, and Washington as “crucial” for their standing. He said,
*Ohio State and Indiana have kind of proven their mettle. I think Oregon still has a ways to go because they play Iowa, Minnesota, USC, and Washington to finish the season which could have a huge impact on where they are. And all those other one-loss teams, if they finish strong they’re gonna have an opportunity as well,* Saban noted.
Oregon’s Path to the CFP
Oregon’s loss to Indiana has dropped them below the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes and Indiana Hoosiers. But the Ducks still have a real shot to prove themselves in the coming weeks.
ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) gives Oregon a 30.6 percent chance to win out, which is actually fifth-best in the nation. Their odds of winning the Big Ten sit at just 8.4 percent, but they’ve still got a 75.2 percent shot at making the 12-team playoff.
Key Upcoming Games
Oregon’s schedule down the stretch is brutal. Here’s what’s left for the Ducks:
- Wisconsin, Oct. 25
- at Iowa, Nov. 8
- Minnesota, Nov. 14
- USC, Nov. 22
- at Washington, Nov. 29
Every game is a test, but that Iowa matchup on Nov. 8 feels especially important. If Oregon wants to be taken seriously, they’ve got to show up in these big moments.
Other Contenders in the Big Ten
Oregon isn’t the only team in the spotlight. Northwestern still has to get through Nebraska, USC, Michigan, Minnesota, and No. 23 Illinois. That’s a tough road, and every game matters for the Wildcats’ playoff hopes.
Michigan’s Prospects
The Michigan Wolverines are hanging around, too. Even with two losses, they’ve got a chance to make some noise in their remaining games.
College GameDay’s Kirk Herbstreit pointed out Michigan after their 24-7 win over Washington in week 8. That last game against Ohio State—always a huge rivalry—could be everything for the Wolverines. They’ve actually beaten the Buckeyes four times in a row, which is wild.
USC’s Road Ahead
The USC Trojans are still alive in the Big Ten race and the CFP chase, even after a loss to Notre Dame. Their showdown with Oregon on Nov. 22 is looming large for both squads.
If USC wins, their playoff hopes get a big boost. Lose, and it might be curtains for them.
Washington and Illinois
Washington and Illinois are still in the mix, but both have a tough climb ahead. Washington faces Illinois this Saturday, and honestly, it’s do-or-die for both teams.
If either team drops a third game, their CFP dreams are probably done. Every game from here on out is basically a must-win.
Conclusion
The Big Ten race? Still wide open. The next few weeks are going to be wild for every team in the mix.
For the Oregon Ducks, nothing’s easy, but it’s not out of reach either. Their schedule’s stacked with some heavy hitters, so if they want a shot at the CFP, they’ll have to earn it the hard way.
Nick Saban’s not wrong—there’s plenty left to prove. Honestly, it’s all going to come down to how they handle those big games coming up.
If you want more on the Ducks and this whole Big Ten chaos, check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
