10
Loading video...
By Jayesh Pagar
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Oregon has moved up in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.
But questions remain about whether the Ducks have done enough to earn their place among the contenders. One CBS Sports analyst believes their reputation is carrying significant weight.
...
Read More on NCAA
The comment came from Emory Hunt, who operates under the Football Gameplan account and works as a CBS Sports HQ analyst.
Hunt questioned whether Oregon's national reputation has influenced its position in the playoff conversation more than its performances on the field.
"When we look at the Oregon's strength of schedule, Oregon's strength is their logo and their brand identity," Hunt said.
He added that the Ducks are receiving attention partly because their name is difficult to leave out of a playoff discussion. However, he does not believe they have consistently played at the level expected of a genuine contender.
"This is a TV product. Oregon is right now ranked because you can't not have a playoff conversation without Oregon, but they have not played the best football," he said.
Hunt also pointed to Iowa's position in the rankings. The Hawkeyes currently sit one spot ahead of Oregon at No. 15, despite having a 7-2 record compared to the Ducks' 6-3 mark.
"I understand why Iowa is in front of Oregon," Hunt said. "I also understand why you have these teams that are in front of Oregon where they are."
There is, however, a case to be made for Oregon. The Ducks have played five teams currently ranked in the CFP top 25. They have also recorded wins over USC, Boise State and Ohio State, including a 41-28 victory in Columbus last weekend.
That victory helped Oregon climb seven places, from No. 23 to No. 16, in Tuesday's latest CFP rankings. The committee has acknowledged that strength of schedule is one of several factors it considers when comparing teams.
Hunt believes the Ducks now need to make a stronger statement. Their next opportunity arrives Saturday against Michigan at Autzen Stadium.
"I feel like Oregon has to go out there and prove it, and they have to win in an impressive fashion this weekend in order to change that perspective," he said.
For now, Oregon has a chance to answer its critics on the field rather than through its reputation.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines