When Oregon opened the season as the Nation's 2nd ranked team, instant expectations were put on the team to compete for a National Championship with all the talent Dan Lanning was able to bring back. The Ducks instantly proved that they weren't at that level yet in Week 1 when the team hardly escaped with a win over Boise State.
Fans were quick to point out that Boise State is one of the best Group of 6 teams in the country, and that Oregon should only get better, but the team needed to see it. The AP, however, instantly took notice, dropping the Ducks to 6th in the AP Top 25 poll, but there was a great chance to rebound as the season progressed.
Instead, Oregon entered Saturday as the Nation's No. 6 team in the country, and looked like a team that didn't belong on the same field as an 0-1 Oklahoma State team aside from two tipped passes leading to interceptions and touchdowns that made the score much closer than it should've been, dropping the Ducks to 1-1.
Will Oregon remain in the AP Top 25 Poll after stunning loss?
On Sunday Afternoon, the Associated Press will release its weekly Top 25 poll, and how the Ducks are handled may be the most interesting part of the puzzle. The biggest question will be whether or not the AP continues to give credit for the roster on paper and the results of last season, or if they'll start judging this team on what they've done this season.
If the AP Poll voters continue to give Oregon credit for the talent and the results of last season, the Ducks will almost certainly remain in the Top 25. Michigan is likely going to jump back into the Top 25 after beating No. 11 Oklahoma, and Oregon will likely land somewhere near the Sooners. The most likely range for the Ducks' in that scenario would be somewhere from the 15 to 20 range.
The AP Poll voters could also start to judge this team based on what they've shown and the results of this season rather than what the Ducks have been and then the Ducks will be, at best, ranked No. 22 to No. 25, but more likely to be outside the Top 25. Oregon has lost to an unranked team and escaped with a 7-point win over Boise State, while other teams have remained unbeaten, with more impressive wins or better performances in close games.
Regardless of where the AP Poll voters place the Ducks, it doesn't matter at this point as it's clear the outside expectations aren't matching what the team is putting out there. The Ducks have been heavy favorites in back-to-back weeks, and haven't been able to separate themselves despite all the 5-star recruits and potential NFL Draft Picks.
Moving forward, Oregon's success and potential are only going to be judged based on what the team puts on the scoreboard each week. The team needs to start delivering on its potential; otherwise, things could get ugly quickly, as the games are only going to get tougher when Big Ten play opens in two weeks. Dan Lanning has one game against Portland State to right the ship; otherwise, the team is going to end up being one of the biggest disappointments in program history.
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