Oregon Ducks' tumble in AP Poll completely warranted after college football Week 1 shocker
In the first AP Poll to be released during the college football season, Oregon isn't where they started the season. They aren't really all that close, either.Ranked as the No. 3 team in the preseason poll, after skating by University of Idaho 24-14, there were enough red flags on display to cause them to slide […]
In the first AP Poll to be released during the college football season, Oregon isn't where they started the season. They aren't really all that close, either.
Ranked as the No. 3 team in the preseason poll, after skating by University of Idaho 24-14, there were enough red flags on display to cause them to slide in the rankings. In this week's AP Poll, Oregon now sits as the No. 7 team in the country.
To be perfectly frank, it's absolutely justified. The reasons why have been stated countlessly – the offensive line lacked consistency and communication, something that will be a major point of emphasis for this team after stalwart center Jackson Powers-Johnson went pro, the offense failed to create explosive plays, and the interior run game was practically non existent.
All of this against an FCS team that the Ducks were favored to beat by 44.5 points.
The teams that leapfrogged them in the rankings – namely Ole Miss and Notre Dame – showed far more polish, far more ability, and showcased elements to their team that could make them special. Notre Dame's secondary looks like the best unit in the country. Ole Miss' offense with Lane Kiffin at the controls and Jaxson Dart at quarterback put up a whopping 76 points.
Oregon showed nothing that looked like that of a national championship contender.
To put things into perspective, it's only one game, and the team still won. Oregon still has everything in front of them, and it's a long season. For the Ducks, though, the message is to play up to their standard, to see the doctor, to take the medicine, and to improve. Lanning was very blunt about that in the locker room after the game, and with the press.
That game was not good enough for where Oregon wants to go and who they want to be on a national level.
As a reminder, with the new playoff format, the easiest way to make the College Football Playoffs is to win your conference. Do that, and you're in, with the four Power Four conference champions getting a first round bye. If you don't win your conference, you need to be one of the top-12 teams to earn an at-large bid.
For Oregon, it isn't time to panic. They still won. Lanning will have them dialed in on the task at hand, on winning every rep, on improving in practice, on focusing on the small things.
Control the controlables, and show up this Saturday against Boise State with the goal of playing up to your standard, and show the country that you belong in the elite conversation going forward.
Dan Lanning addresses critical areas the Oregon Ducks must improve heading into Week 2
Oregon has to be better.
Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on X @JonHelmkamp, as well as follow our main page @AtoZSportsNFL for all the latest news.
