The first CFP rankings of the season were released last week, and already fans are trying to put together their ideal brackets. Oregon is currently at #1 thanks to a 32-31 victory over #2 Ohio State in Eugene. There is no guarantee either team will make it through November unscathed, and a potential rematch in the Big Ten Championship game would be a close run affair.
A close loss in the conference championship game may well find Oregon seeded 5th as the highest rated non-conference champion. While this would cost the Ducks a first round bye, it would allow Oregon to host a playoff game at Autzen Stadium in the first round.