Just a short two months ago, Oregon fans collectively held their breath as Vernon Adams Jr. approached his final opportunity to pass a math class that had plagued his summer. Two months later, Adams has faded into the background, as bigger, more urgent issues have arised. As the Ducks approach their game against the Washington State Cougars on Saturday (3 PM, PAC 12 N), the early stages of the season have passed. Conference play will pick up speed, and the Ducks can’t afford another loss; the season is on the line.
The College Football Playoff is no longer a possibility, and barring a major turnaround, so is another New Year’s Six Game.