That said, after looking at the Oregon schedule, we should be favored in every game, with the possible exception of Utah.
So, what if Oregon were to miraculously win out, get to 11-1, and then beat a highly ranked USC team in the Pac-12 Championship? Would a 12-1 record with good wins over USC, UW, Utah and BYU be enough?
I think if both Alabama and Georgia run the table and meet in the SEC Championship game, if it's close, they're both in.
That leaves 2 spots.
If both Michigan and Ohio State run the table, the loser might still have a chance - if it's a close game. The winner would be in, assuming they won the Big-10 Championship game, as well.
That leaves the Big-12. If Oklahoma wins out they'll be in. The same would likely happen if Texas wins out. If you're the playoff committee, who are you gonna take if it's between a 12-1 Texas, who lost by a point to Alabama, or a 12-1 Oregon, who got blown out by Georgia?
The answer to that is pretty simple.
That means that although the Ducks have ZERO margin for error, and definitely need help along the way as in a loss by Michigan, Ohio State or both, and a loss by Texas, they'd also need BYU, Utah and UW to keep winning, as well, there's still a chance. It's a very small one, but it's still there.
Thinking, hoping, wishing, dreaming out loud.
