There was little doubt when Oregon signed on to play Georgia in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium that it would be a major challenge for the Ducks. Even though nobody could have known the exact circumstances of a game four years into the future, flying across the country to play an SEC power in its backyard is never easy.
But Oregon’s calculation in taking the game was sound: In the College Football Playoff era, where strength of schedule is supposed to count for a lot, it looked like a low-risk proposition.
If you happen to win the game, it boosts your credibility and the perception of your conference.