It seems like the only knock on Oregon teams of late is their inability to handle physical matchups. Teams like Stanford, LSU, and Auburn have been able to limit the high octane offenses of the Ducks. In just their second game of the season, Oregon has an incredible chance to silence critics of that soft stigma with a visit from Michigan State. The winner of that Spartans-Ducks matchup will have an early edge to a College Football Playoff berth, that's how important this game can be. Oregon is able to host division rival Stanford, but still has one of the toughest road schedules in conference play. One of those road games may be a sneaky matchup when the Ducks visit Utah. With a game against Stanford the week before and a much needed bye on the horizon, a physical Utes team can't be overlooked. This is one team who just might be able to get into the College Football Playoff with a loss on the schedule. If they are able to get to the Pac-12 Championship Game, there is a chance Oregon can play four top ten teams (MSU, Stanford, UCLA x2). Potentially a very special year up in Eugene, and it will be the improved defense that can carry this team over the hump.