The CFP still runs through Eugene with strong ranking for the Ducks

The Oregon Ducks are cruising right now in the College Football Playoff rankings, as they moved up one spot to No. 9 in the latest rankings release. After a close call against Iowa in Week 11, the committee clearly took into account the Ducks' big comeback in order to secure the win, rewarding them by moving up.

Moving up in the rankings is big for many reasons, but the biggest is that now Oregon is in the perfect spot to host their first-round playoff game against what would right now be No. 9 Notre Dame. A home game in Autzen Stadium is something the Ducks would love to have, especially with the help of the crowd.

Oregon controls its own destiny to get to the College Football Playoff

Looking at the remainder of Oregon's schedule, they have matchups against Minnesota, No. 17 USC, and Washington on the docket. The Ducks have the opportunity to get another ranked win on their resume before the season is over if they can take down the Trojans in two weeks.

If Oregon wants to host a game in the College Football Playoff, then they control everything in front of them. Winning out the rest of the season could easily result in the Ducks hosting a playoff game, especially if they don't have to risk a loss in the Big Ten Championship dropping them.

The Ducks want to remind everyone they are a team to be reckoned with this season. Oregon had an embarrassing exit last season after getting the first-round bye. The Ducks were never in that game against Ohio State, and now they have. chance to shock everyone with a great performance in the playoffs this season.

Oregon has flown under the radar this season, and Dan Lanning is listening to everything being said about his team.