Sporting News Predicts Ducks for College Football Playoff
In a recent article by Bill Bender for Sporting News, the University of Oregon Ducks have been predicted to make the College Football Playoff as the No. 9 seed. The Ducks are set to face the Arizona State Sun Devils on the road, led by former Oregon offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham and West Linn High quarterback Sam Leavitt.
Bender highlights the historical context of this matchup, referencing previous heart-wrenching losses for the Ducks in Tempe during the 2017 and 2019 seasons. Both teams emerged as conference champions last season; however, should the Sun Devils repeat their success, they would not receive a playoff bye. With Oregon competing as a Big Ten at-large team, the matchup includes intriguing coaching dynamics between current Ducks coach Dan Lanning and Dillingham.
The Ducks are predicted to survive this first-round clash at Sun Devil Stadium but ultimately fall to No. 1 Texas, led by Arch Manning, in the quarterfinals, ending their playoff journey at the Cotton Bowl.
As for the playoff landscape, Bender notes that the deep-pocketed and well-stocked teams often have the advantage, whether in a two-team, four-team, or twelve-team format.
Shifting gears to the softball field, Oregon achieved a historic feat this season with three players—Kedre Luschar, Kai Luschar, and Paige Sinicki—earning spots on the Academic All-America team after a remarkable season that culminated in a trip to the College World Series. Both Luschar sisters and Sinicki showcased exceptional talent both on the field and in the classroom, marking a significant accomplishment for the Ducks softball program.
With the Ducks making strides in both football and softball, fans have much to celebrate as they look ahead to an exciting athletic year.
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