17. Oregon (12-2)
Oregon is looking to make a major impression in their first year in the Big Ten and it’s fair to say that they’re achieving that goal to this point. They won a trio of fantastic games at the Players Era Festival and have looked the part of a strong offense and talented defense. Questions remain not on the talent but on this team’s potential in their new league, especially after what transpired this week.
First off, Oregon took care of business without any trouble on Sunday, winning 89-49 over Weber State. Jackson Shelstad had 16 points while Brandon Angel and Jadrian Tracey added 14 apiece. Thursday was a different story, as the Ducks lost 109-77 at home to Illinois on what was a fantastic night for the Fighting Illini. Supreme Cook had 20 points off the bench and the offense wasn’t bad, but the defense sputtered and this night belonged to the Illini.
After that tough home loss to UCLA a few weeks back, the Ducks have now unfortunately dropped their first two Big Ten home games. This team has played great at times this season but isn’t starting Big Ten play on the right foot. Obviously, they’ve played two of the league’s best teams and have winnable games ahead, but the schedule makers did them no favors. This talented squad hosts Maryland before road games over at Ohio State and Penn State, two teams that have shown their strength this year.