Everything appears to be working in favor of the top-ranked Oregon Ducks. Oregon has been blowing out opponents since a 49-14 Week 3 win over Oregon State, including a stunning upset win over then-No. 2-ranked Ohio State two weeks ago that elevated the team to its current top ranking.
With Saturday’s game against No. 20 Illinois, the Ducks’ remaining schedule, which includes games against four unranked teams in Michigan, Maryland, Wisconsin, and Washington, appears to be an easy trip to the College Football Playoff. However, former head coach and ESPN analyst Dan Mullen feels Oregon will suffer a setback somewhere along the line.
“It is difficult to go undefeated in the regular season,” Mullen remarked on Friday, according On3. “You must bring your A-game every week. Remember, early in the season, they weren’t firing on all cylinders. So I believe that as the season progresses and the mental fatigue and injuries accumulate, there is a possibility that they will lose a game. If Mullen is correct, the odds favor a loss against Illinois. The Fighting Illini are 6-1 this season, having defeated three previously ranked teams – Kansas, Nebraska, and Michigan – and their lone loss came to No. 3 Penn State, 21-7.
Oregon’s final four opponents have a combined record of just 17-11, including Washington’s 27-17 victory over Michigan two weeks ago when the Wolverines were ranked No. 10 (they’ve since lost two in a row and are only 4-3 this season). “When you look at that schedule and ask, ‘OK, where is it?’ “I’m not sure,” Mullen added. “But anytime you’re on the road in November, especially in the Big Ten, those are tough settings. They have a rivalry game to end the season. It’s going to be quite intriguing. I believe they end up with one loss.”
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