Despite Washington's down year, Oregon football faces most important game yet

Down to its final game of the regular season with an 11-0 record and a berth in the Big Ten title game already in the back pocket, Oregon football faces its most important test to date.

Yes, I know that Ohio State was the toughest game of the season, but even if Oregon lost that, it would likely be in the position to make the playoff if it had won out. Unfortunately, one major obstacle stands in the way of Oregon and a playoff spot: Washington.

Just like last year, Washington is the final hurdle for the Ducks. Unlike last year, Washington is barely bowl eligible and won't be making the playoff.

The Huskies are 6-5 on the year and they aren't exactly world-beaters, but that doesn't make this game any more of a cakewalk. This is a rivalry game for a reason and the Huskies never lay down against the Ducks (outside of that 12-game winning streak for Oregon from 2004-2015). Jedd Fisch will have his team ready to go because he knows that he has a chance to ruin Oregon's perfect season as well as hurt its chances of making the playoff.

You could argue that Oregon has already sewn up a spot in the playoff. It's tough to argue the opposition to that point, but a loss to the Huskies and another defeat in the Big Ten Championship would open up an uncomfortable subject in Eugene.

A win over Washington locks up that playoff berth.

But with a three-game losing streak in this rivalry looming over Dan Lanning's head, he knows that this is his most important game of the year. His team simply cannot come out and lay an egg against the Huskies, especially since he has yet to beat them as Oregon's head coach.

There's a lot more on the line than just bragging rights on Saturday night and that's why this is the most important game of the season and it won't be quite as easy as some Oregon fans expect.

This one is going to be an absolute battle and Oregon needs to treat it like a playoff game.