NCAA Football Oregon Ducks

Oregon Football Bowl Game/Playoff Scenarios: Week 13 Edition

Oregon Football Bowl Game/Playoff Scenarios: Week 13 Edition

Oregon Ducks linebacker Cody Carriger hoists his helmet after the game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

If options No. 5 or No. 4 actually happen to the Oregon Ducks, that means the season has somehow gone terribly, terribly wrong in the last four weeks. By being Pac-12 North champions, the Ducks are guaranteed no worse than an official second-place conference finish. But the second bowl tie-in just means that bowl has the second pick, not that they must select the second-place team. Remember that as we start the list.

5. Yes, The Foster Farms Bowl Is Still A Possibility

Oregon Ducks head coach Mark Helfrich and quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) talk before the game against the Oregon State Beavers
Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

5. Yes, The Foster Farms Bowl Is Still A Possibility

Oregon Ducks head coach Mark Helfrich and quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) talk before the game against the Oregon State Beavers
Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

The teetering OL goes down and takes Marcus Mariota with it against Colorado. Resurgent Oregon State crumples backup Jake Lockie, making Eugene native and walk-on Taylor Alie the QB. Oregon gets thumped by the Pac-12 South champ and three South schools are taken before the Foster Farms Bowl gives in and the Ducks play a third game at Levis Stadium. Mark Helfrich quietly resigns to become an assistant at his alma mater, Marshfield High.

4. So Is A Return To The Alamo Bowl On Jan. 2

Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs past Texas Longhorns defensive end Caleb Bluiett (42) during the first half at Alamo Dome
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

4. So Is A Return To The Alamo Bowl On Jan. 2

Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs past Texas Longhorns defensive end Caleb Bluiett (42) during the first half at Alamo Dome
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

A loss in either the final two games or in the Pac-12 title game could drop Oregon out of even the CFB Playoff “At-Large” berths. If that happens, the Alamo Bowl would be more than happy to have Oregon back for a second straight year. While seen as a fail by Ducks fans, it would get plenty of attention nationally as Mariota’s likely last college game.

3. Also In Range: Peach Bowl/Cotton Bowl, Dec. 31 or Jan. 1

Oregon Ducks running back Thomas Tyner (24) carries the ball against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. Also In Range: Peach Bowl/Cotton Bowl, Dec. 31 or Jan. 1

Oregon Ducks running back Thomas Tyner (24) carries the ball against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

If Oregon wins the Pac-12 title but doesn’t get selected for the CFB Playoff, the Ducks wind up in an At-Large Berth. The Orange Bowl is locked into taking two non-Pac-12 teams, so that’s out. Having to pick one of these two, I’d say the Ducks go to the Cotton Bowl. It could happen, but it’s not as likely as…

2. Another Trip To Glendale and The Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31

Oregon Ducks coach Chip Kelly (left) and quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) celebrate after the 2013 Fiesta Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at University of Phoenix Stadium. Oregon defeated Kansas State 35-17
Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

2. Another Trip To Glendale and The Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31

Oregon Ducks coach Chip Kelly (left) and quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) celebrate after the 2013 Fiesta Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at University of Phoenix Stadium. Oregon defeated Kansas State 35-17
Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon’s bowl game home away from home the past few years -- BCS title game in 2011 and Fiesta Bowl in 2013 (shown here, Chip Kelly's last game as head coach). If Oregon somehow doesn’t make the CFB Playoff, that trend ought to continue. Duck fans know Phoenix, and it’s easy to get to from anywhere on the West Coast. There will be guaranteed excellent attendance no matter the opponent. But it would still be a disappointment for Duck fans.

1. CFB Playoff On Jan. 1 and Hopefully Jan. 12 In Dallas

Oregon Ducks cheerleaders and mascot Puddles pose during the game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Oregon defeated UCLA 42-30.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1. CFB Playoff On Jan. 1 and Hopefully Jan. 12 In Dallas

Oregon Ducks cheerleaders and mascot Puddles pose during the game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Oregon defeated UCLA 42-30
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

By winning out Oregon is making the Playoff unless something really bizarre happens. It’s college football, so don’t rule it out. The issue then becomes which semifinal on New Year’s Day -- Rose Bowl or Sugar Bowl? It seems likely the Ducks would be put in the Rose Bowl no matter the seeding because the committee would like fans to attend the games. A win there and it’s a trip to Dallas for the First Final.

Alex Drude is a Pac-12 writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Alex_Drude. “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google+.

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