The Oregon Ducks are navigating a challenging landscape as they prepare for the College Football Playoff. Head coach Dan Lanning is dealing with significant coaching changes, as offensive coordinator Will Stein has accepted the head coaching position at Kentucky, and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi is reportedly in talks to take over at California.
Despite these distractions, the College Football Playoff selection committee has moved Oregon up in the rankings from fifth to sixth following their season-ending victory over the Washington Huskies. Hunter Yurachek, chair of the selection committee, acknowledged the potential impact of the coaching changes on the team. “There”s obviously a distraction,” he stated, according to James Crepea of The Oregonian. “But the committee, in the end, after discussion, felt like we don”t have any games where Ole Miss does not have their head coach or Oregon potentially has a distracted offensive coordinator, et cetera.”
Both Stein and Lupoi are expected to remain with the Ducks through the playoff, aiming to secure a national championship despite their looming transitions. Oregon concluded the regular season with an impressive 11-1 record, including an 8-1 mark in Big Ten play. Their sole defeat came at the hands of undefeated Indiana on October 11.
While Oregon”s overall resume might not be particularly strong, with their most notable victories against Iowa and USC, they are nonetheless viewed as a formidable opponent. Last year, the Ducks entered the College Football Playoff undefeated but were defeated by the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl, a team they had previously beaten during the regular season.
The upcoming playoff presents an opportunity for Lanning”s squad to change their fortunes and build on their previous successes. Oregon has recorded five consecutive seasons with double-digit victories, with four of those under Lanning”s leadership. As they gear up for the playoff, all eyes will be on the Ducks to see if they can rise to the occasion amid the coaching upheaval.
For more insights on college football, visit Newsweek Sports.
