Autzen Zoo
Fansided

Oregon essentially punches playoff ticket with win over Washington

That was fun.

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 30, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) celebrates catching a touchdown pass during the second half against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) celebrates catching a touchdown pass during the second half against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images / Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

One game stood between Oregon football and a perfect regular season to end the month of November and it happened to be Dan Lanning's kryptonite: Washington.

Fortunately, Oregon was able to take care of the inferior Huskies in the annual rivalry matchup and first-time meeting as Big Ten foes. This was surprisingly Lanning's first win over Washington, improving his record in the rivalry to 1-3.

With the 49-21 win in Autzen Stadium, the Ducks not only locked up a perfect regular season, but they likely punched their ticket to the College Football Playoff. And when I say "likely", I mean "definitely" barring some sort of astronomically bad loss to Penn State in the Big Ten Championship.

Lanning is now the coach of a 12-0 team headed to the College Football Playoff and a win in the Big Ten title game over Penn State will make the Ducks the No. 1 overall seed.

This has to be the best spot the program has been in since Chip Kelly, and it's really not close.

Lanning is recruiting at an elite level, the play on the field is matching to the tune of a 12-0 regular season, and the fanbase is as excited as it's ever been to see this team play. The hope for the future is sky-high and Lanning is to thank for this.

Now Oregon will be playing for its first-ever Big Ten title next week against a fellow playoff-bound team (more than likely) and the Ducks will have a chance to lock up a first-round bye with a win.

Life is good for Oregon football fans.

Home/Oregon Ducks Football