Oregon football’s 2021 season is far from over after Week 5 loss

Oregon football lost in overtime to Stanford last Saturday. Now that we have all had some time and it has sunk in that the Ducks have lost a game, there’s still a lot worth rooting for this season.

They did not fall far from grace either. While there were questionable calls by officials, which I will not get into or partake in discussions of here, an overtime loss on the farm is sort of the way it seems to work in the Pac-12, at least in the recent past when the Cardinal and Oregon meet.

Oregon had its chances to win the game at Stanford at several points. One was going for it on fourth down instead of attempting a chip-shot field goal. When given the opportunity, always take the points.

The Ducks now have a bye week to get healthy.

Running back CJ Verdell will be out for the season with his injury. We do not yet know the extent, but it did not look like a day-to-day type of thing.

Up next for Oregon, Cal comes to Eugene a week from Friday.

What’s ahead for Oregon football?

Now, taking a look at what else is ahead. If Oregon football can win out, which was the goal before losing at Stanford, they could still wind up in the same place. You don’t have to look too far at the AP Top 25 to see how things could play out.

You have three Big Ten teams in Ohio State (7), Penn State (4), and Iowa (5). Penn State will face Ohio State and also a highly touted Michigan team before the season is over. Iowa also hosts Penn State this weekend at 10 a.m. PST on FOX.

Two SEC schools are at the top again this week with Alabama, who appeared vulnerable to me at least, a few weeks ago at Florida. Georgia is ranked number two. Both will have their own challenges for the rest of the season. Oh, and watch out for Arkansas.

Oregon now has time to get healthy before they host a 1-4 California team which also has a bye week. The Ducks and Golden Bears will kick off on Friday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. PST on ESPN.