Michigan State vs. Oregon: How Ducks Win Reshapes Playoff Picture

Disappointed Saturday's back-and-forth thriller between Michigan State and Oregon had to come to an end? Don't worry, you might just see it again in January. 

The No. 2 Ducks ultimately prevailed over a game No. 7 Spartans at Autzen Stadium, 46-26, in a game that was closer than the final score suggests, but one thing was made very clear in Eugene: Both of these teams are strong bets to win their respective leagues, which would presumably be enough to book spots in the inaugural four-team playoff. 

USA Today's George Schroeder put it simply:

Let's start with the winners. 

There were stretches in the first 35 minutes when Oregon looked stagnant, but the Ducks' offense was able to break down MSU and eventually resemble its typical explosive efficiency. Heisman candidate Marcus Mariota completed 17 of his 28 throws for 318 yards and three scores, providing constant reminders of why many regard him as the best QB prospect in America. 

One particularly special moment came in the third quarter on 3rd-and-long when he eluded two pass-rushers and completed an improvisational shovel pass for the first down. Later on the drive, he delivered a gorgeous ball to Devon Allen for a 24-yard touchdown, and it was all Ducks after that moment. 

If Michigan State's physical defense isn't able to slow Oregon down, there aren't many teams that can. CBS Sports' Bruce Feldman noted the rare output against Mark Dantonio's squad:

Meanwhile in the Pac-12, USC and Stanford were far from convincing in the Trojans win, UCLA's offense looked rusty in its opener against Virginia last week and Washington just gave up 52 points against FCS powerhouse Eastern Washington. This may turn out to be a formidable conference, but Oregon remains at the peak. 

Former NFL scout John Middlekauff is certainly convinced of the Ducks' prowess:

Let's not overlook Michigan State, though.

Sparty went into Autzen, where no one has beaten Oregon since basically the Cretaceous Period (OK, it was 2012, but teams don't often do well there) and were the better team up until midway through the third quarter. 

CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd offered his analysis early on:

The Spartans couldn't keep it up, but the defense was creating all kinds of pressure on Mariota and getting Oregon off the field, while the offense was moving the ball with ease under quarterback Connor Cook. The rising junior finished 29-of-47 for 343 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions and orchestrated five straight scoring drives at one point. 

Rivals' Mike Farrell offered the highest of praise:

Michigan State will likely have to run the table in the Big Ten to crack the playoffs. But with Nebraska nearly losing to McNeese State, Ohio State struggling against Virginia Tech and Michigan getting trounced by Notre Dame, that's obviously not too tall of a task. 

There will be many twists and turns over the next few months, but these two teams made strong arguments for being two of the best four teams in the country.