Oregon's rapid rise in the Big Ten is undeniable after latest matchup rankings

When the Oregon Ducks along with USC, Washington, and UCLA made the decision to leave the PAC 12 in favor of the Big Ten, the decision came with criticism. Many suspected the long travel while playing in colder elements in East Coast games would eventually hurt the West Coast powers. Compared to everyone else, Oregon has done the best job adapting to the league, quickly becoming one of the forces of the league.

While traditional Big Ten programs like Michigan and Penn State try to claim they're still among the biggest names in the conference, it's clear the Ducks helped change things. Joining Ohio State and the new power Indiana Hoosiers, there's a clear dominant trio atop the Big Ten, and it's impossible to deny.

Oregon's status is on full display in Big Ten matchup rankings

As the college football season continues to inch closer, analysts around the country are starting to look at the matchups that lie ahead. On3's Crain and Cone dove into the matchups in Big Ten play this season, and Oregon domianted the list with 3 of the top 5 matchups with the games against Ohio State, Washington, and USC.

When you look at the list, you could even make the case that Oregon's games are being ranked a little to low. Considering how much turnover Indiana will go through, Oregon Vs Ohio State may be the biggest game of the year regardless of conference. Michigan Vs Ohio State always gets respect for the drama, but with the coaching turnover, who knows what the Wolverines will look like.

Dan Lanning and the Ducks will have a gauntlet to handle this season, but being battle tested may help the team in the long run. Oregon is looking to win a National Championship only this season so while an easier schedule would give the Ducks a great chance at going undefeated, if the team wins it all, the fanbase won't care what their record was.

Ever since arriving in the Big Ten, Oregon has been on the same level as Ohio State while Curt Cignetti has also brought Indiana to that level. Dan Lanning has gone 17-1 in Big Ten play with a Big Ten Championship while the lone loss came against the National Championship Indiana Hoosiers who may have been the only team better than the Ducks this season.

While there are programs with more history in the league, the modern era favors recent results, and Oregon has had remarkable success while post John Harbaugh Michigan has been a disaster while Penn State fired James Franklin. Oregon will need to continue the success to remain arguably the best program in the league, but Dan Lanning is showing no signs of slowing down.

As Oregon continues to solidify it's place in the Big Ten, there are few things left for the program to check off. The Ducks are now in the toughest conference in the Country with a conference championship to show for it, and a National Championship would check off every major achievement for the program.

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