The Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies are set for pivotal matchups this weekend that could significantly influence their postseason aspirations. On Saturday, the Ducks will take on Iowa at 12:30 PM, followed by the Huskies facing Wisconsin just an hour later. Both games are set against the backdrop of adverse weather conditions.
While these teams are not traveling together, they find themselves in a unique position where their fortunes are intertwined. With the latest College Football Playoff rankings revealing Oregon at No. 9 and Washington at No. 23, both teams need to secure victories to enhance their standings and playoff chances.
For Washington, a win is essential as they aim to finish the season strong. With a current record of 6-2, the Huskies must win all their remaining games to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, even a 10-2 record may not guarantee a playoff spot unless they can secure notable wins, particularly against Oregon.
The scenario is similar for Oregon, who holds a 7-1 record. If they manage to win their remaining games, they could easily secure a playoff berth. However, should they lose one of their upcoming contests, their playoff hopes could be jeopardized, especially if they finish without a victory over a ranked opponent.
Washington”s ideal outcome would see Oregon defeating Iowa, Minnesota, and USC, allowing the Ducks to rise in the rankings before their late-season clash. Conversely, an Oregon loss could diminish the significance of a Washington victory.
Both teams are acutely aware of the broader implications of their performances, as outcomes in the Big Ten, SEC, and other conferences will ultimately shape the playoff landscape. The need for mutual success has never been more critical.
As for the picks this week:
- Northwestern (+14.5) at USC: USC needs to win out to stay competitive in the CFP race. Northwestern lacks the talent to keep pace unless USC falters. Pick: USC
- BYU (+10) at Texas Tech: This matchup is highly significant for both teams. BYU has a knack for winning games they should lose. Pick: BYU
- Oregon (-6) at Iowa: The Hawkeyes have shown resilience, but Oregon should prevail. Pick: Iowa
- Kansas (+4.5) at Arizona: Arizona needs to continue their momentum after a strong performance last week. Pick: Arizona
- Stanford (+7.5) at North Carolina: Stanford struggles on the road, making this matchup challenging for them. Pick: North Carolina
- Washington (-11) at Wisconsin: Washington faces tough weather conditions, which could impact the game. Pick: Wisconsin
- Florida State (+2.5) at Clemson: Despite the broadcasting situation, this matchup carries historical significance. Pick: Florida State
- Cal (+20.5) at Louisville: Louisville is heading toward an ACC Championship appearance while Cal is faltering. Pick: Louisville
- LSU (+10) at Alabama: Alabama excels at home, making this a tough contest for LSU. Pick: Alabama
- Nebraska (+1.5) at UCLA: Nebraska faces challenges with their quarterback situation, giving UCLA an edge. Pick: UCLA
- Sam Houston (+20.5) at Oregon State: Oregon State might be in letdown mode after their recent victory. Pick: Sam Houston
The straight-up winners are expected to be USC, Texas Tech, Oregon, Arizona, North Carolina, Washington, Florida State, Louisville, Alabama, UCLA, and Oregon State. The five-star special goes to UCLA, primarily due to Nebraska”s challenging circumstances.
