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SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports’ Paul Myerberg provides his opinion of the top three programs in the history of college football.
USA TODAY

The last time most college football fans paid serious attention to Oregon, the Ducks were blowing a nice lead against Auburn. After that season-opening loss, it was easy to cast Oregon into the outer darkness – at least, if the focus is on the College Football Playoff (and let’s be honest: These days, the focus is always on the playoff).

Soon enough, the entire Pac-12 was consigned to the same place. But it’s time we all start watching again – and maybe talking about Oregon again as a playoff contender.

A 35-31 win at Washington showcased a rugged bunch that does not much resemble those Oregon teams of the past, but which might be elite like they were.

Justin Herbert got most of the preseason attention, and the senior quarterback’s talent is undeniable. But he (and his receivers, too) have been inconsistent. Oregon’s offense is most effective when a veteran offensive line paves the way for its rushing attack. It’s part of the total program makeover by Mario Cristobal, and it’s been an uneven road.

But the Ducks’ defense is – well, it’s mean and fast and, well, it’s like nothing we’ve seen from Oregon in a very long time, and the strength of a very good team.

SCARY SCENE: Oklahoma’s Sooner Schooner crashes on field 

DESERVED LOSS: No. 6 Wisconsin didn’t play well and Illinois beat them

BAD MOVE: Clemson player ejected after throwing punch at Louisville player

In the five games after Auburn’s last-minute touchdown sent Oregon to a 27-21 loss, the Ducks had allowed 25 total points. Jacob Eason and the Huskies outscored all of those opponents combined, and gave the Ducks fits for much of the game. But when it mattered, Oregon slowed and stopped Washington – including on fourth-and-3 with a little more than a minute left, sealing victory.

Now, back to the bigger picture. After surviving in Seattle, the schedule looks manageable: Washington State, at USC, Arizona, at No. 17 Arizona State and then home again for the Civil War tilt with Oregon State before a Pac-12 championship game.

Even if the Ducks win out, they’ll need some help to get into the playoff. It might take an upset of Clemson, Ohio State or Oklahoma and maybe Notre Dame, too — and perhaps a little chaos in the SEC, as well. But none of that is impossible. And after what we saw Saturday, neither is the idea that the Ducks might keep winning.

Each time they do, that season-opening loss to Auburn becomes more regrettable. With what we’ve seen since then, their return to the playoff conversation seems more doable.

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