Pac-12 Must Produce an Elite Team to Quash Morning Start Games

Oregon Football has a prime opportunity to re-emerge as an elite team despite Pac-12 Commissioner, Larry Scott, suggesting early start times could be an option for future schedules.

With Oregon slated to win the North Division and finish behind Utah for the Pac-12 title, the commissioner of the conference brought up the notion of scheduling games in the morning. Usually, college football games precede after ESPN College Gameday with the majority of contests happening on the east coast.

For Oregon fans, 9 a.m. matchups would not bode well, especially the tailgaters who already pack the parking lots around Autzen Stadium to get ready for the festivities. Taylor’s Bar and Grill and Rennies would undoubtedly plan to stock up for mimosas but a morning game would take away the buildup and excitement leading up to a game at Oregon.

Scott’s reasoning to suggest an idea is based on the conference’s performance in the past few years. The conference has gone with no representation in the College Football Playoff the past few years. Teams beating each other up during conference play has not helped. Scott is exploring all avenues to gain an audience from the east coast in hopes the Pac-12 is an influential conference and boasts Heisman candidates.

Oregon Ducks Football

Yes, the Pac-12 is struggling to shed the label of being pushovers after dismal performances in bowl games. A big reason for the Pac-12 not producing a contender is the preparation by teams in pivotal matchups.

Stanford-Oregon, last season, became an instant classic as both teams re-ignited the rivalry after the Pac-12 initially formed. The Ducks appeared poised to return to the national spotlight after dominating the Cardinal in all areas. Unfortunately, late miscues in the fourth quarter allowed Stanford to tie the game and come away with a victory in overtime.

Stanford could not maintain the momentum, ultimately fading the rest of the season. As for Oregon, another chance came against rival Washington. Coach Mario Cristobal scored a signature victory as the Ducks won in overtime to upset the Huskies, to the delight of a jubilant crowd at Autzen Stadium.

An emotional win got followed up with a disappointing defeat at Washington State. For the Ducks, the team did not realize the magnitude of ESPN College Gameday visiting Pullman for the first time. A poor start to the first half ultimately did the Ducks in despite showing signs of life in the second half, which proved futile.

In short, the Pac-12 must produce an elite team this season to put 9 am start times in the rearview mirror. Oregon’s opener against Auburn is not a make-or-break scenario but a right measuring stick of the program under Cristobal, now entering his second year as head coach.

An eight-game conference schedule would not benefit the conference as the playoff committee takes into consideration quality wins and the overall body of work. A Pac-12 team can emerge into the playoff should they not play down to a weaker opponent.

Oregon’s first conference game will be on the road against Stanford. The Cardinal will already be battle-tested, facing Northwestern, at USC, and Central Florida. Once again, Oregon-Stanford is the marquee matchup in the Pac-12 North, and the winner could ultimately be the representative in the conference championship game.

With camps about to commence, Oregon Football is trending upward and are in position under Cristobal to make a bold statement opening week against Auburn. A win would undoubtedly build momentum and help the conference, but a good outing will at the very least indicate the Pac-12 boasts plenty of talent.