The Oregon Ducks have a chance to improve their College Football Playoff profile Friday when they host the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a national showcase game. Kickoff from Autzen Stadium is set for 9 p.m. in the Big Ten Showdown.

Oregon currently sits at No. 8 in the College Football Playoff rankings (No. 7 in the AP poll) and could make up ground with an impressive performance combined with the potential stumble of teams in front of them. For instance, No. 3-ranked Georgia could be in for a challenge against an improving No. 10-ranked Texas club.

The Ducks have won three straight since their 27-20 home loss to Indiana , which vaulted the Hoosiers into the No. 2 spot in the rankings. They are coming off an unspectacular but gritty 18-16 road win over a gritty Iowa team

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