Which first-round College Football Playoff games should Oregon Duck fans care about?

The Oregon Ducks have a first-round bye in the College Football Playoffs but the games in the first round still matter. Which ones matter the most to the Ducks?

2024 Big Ten Football Championship - Penn State v Oregon
2024 Big Ten Football Championship - Penn State v Oregon | Justin Casterline/GettyImages

As the No. 1 Oregon Ducks kick up their feet and (slightly) relax during the first round of the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff, eight teams battle for their spots in the quarterfinals. However, while the Ducks don't have to take the field this weekend, which first-round games still matter to Oregon? Which games should Duck fans tune into during their week off?

Ohio State vs. Tennessee

First and foremost, the Ducks need to pay the utmost attention to the first-round matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Tennessee Volunteers. After all, the winner of that game is who Oregon will face at the Rose Bowl in just a week's time.

While the Ducks are familiar with the Buckeyes' game, having defeated Ohio State earlier this season, Oregon has yet to face the likes of the Volunteers – or an SEC team – this year.

Texas vs. Clemson

While the Ducks have to get past the winner of the Ohio State-Tennessee game first, their next opponent could very possibly be the winner of the Texas-Clemson game. Sure, Oregon has to defeat the Buckeyes or the Volunteers first but preparation is of the utmost importance as this playoff bracket expands for the first time ever.

So, yes, Oregon needs to focus on Ohio State and Tennessee but Texas and Clemson may be living rent-free in the minds of Duck fans.

Notre Dame

Notre Dame looked very good against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first game of the Playoffs. Before the Fighting Irish slowed down their defensive stand, subbing in a few second-string players, Notre Dame had held the Hoosiers to a minimal 3 points.

The Fighting Irish will take on the Georgia Bulldogs in the quarterfinal matchup at the AllState Sugar Bowl. The Ducks should keep an eye on the other side of the bracket, even if Oregon wouldn't face any of the teams until the National Championship, should the Ducks make their way there.

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