Could the Oregon Ducks go from hosting a first-round playoff game to receiving a bye?

It’s possible, though unlikely.

Oregon (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten) m oved up one place to No. 5 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings , announced Tuesday. All four teams ahead of the Ducks play in conference championship games this weekend.

Should the results of those games fall in Oregon’s favor, the Ducks could elevate into the top four and receive a bye.

How?

The same way the Ducks moved up to No. 5 from No. 6 when the committee dropped Texas A&M from No. 3 to No. 7 following its 27-17 loss at No. 13 Texas.

One direct path opens up if No. 4 Texas Tech (11-1) loses the Big 12 Championship game to No. 11 BYU (11-1). The Red Raiders would likely tumble out of the top four, opening the door to

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