Oregon falls short of expectations after beating familiar SEC powerhouse in CFP prediction

Dan Lanning has made his intentions crystal clear: he is staying put in Eugene, as reflected by a contract update earlier this year.

In doing so, the Ducks are expected to steer clear of any major speed bumps this fall and make a case for the College Football Playoff again.

According to On3's Ari Wasserman, though, it will be a short-lived stint in the 12-team field.

Having said that, however, Wasserman likes the Ducks to win at least one playoff game before it's all said and done: a potential signature win against Kirby Smart and the SEC's Georgia Bulldogs.

"But a lot has changed since then and Oregon has closed the immense talent gap that used to exist between itself and the best programs," Wasserman wrote regarding Lanning's 2022 loss. "The Ducks have spent the entire summer grueling over what happened against the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl. In another shot at a top-tier opponent, Oregon gets over the hump and the Bulldogs suffer another early CFP exit."

Unfortunately for the defending Big Ten champions (who in this scenario falter to Penn State),  the Ducks' season will end against would-be eventual national champion Texas. Wasserman has the Longhorns has the No. 1 seed, whereas the Ducks will enter the postseason at No. 9.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

"That team is led by Arch Manning, who is fresh off a trip to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony," Wasserman wrote. "It’s not that Oregon hasn’t gotten better year over year, but the Ducks continue to have an unfortunate path to the College Football Playoff semifinal. Texas wins."

Although the Ducks have an early exit projection, it seems apparent their move to the Big Ten came at the right time. Whether they can sustain long-term success, though, still has yet to be seen fully.

Maybe this fall is the start of a soon-to-be run of dominance, but for now, getting to the postseason seems like a worthy first step.