Though it may only be hopeful optimism at this stage as the U.S. continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, Friday’s announcement of a revised conference-only 2020 football schedule by the Pac-12 felt like a step in the right direction in terms of getting football this fall.

The new-look 2020 schedule. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/oVm9dHJBTh

— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) July 31, 2020

Of course, many other important issues surrounding the regular testing of players, coaches, and other team personnel, not to mention the implementation of protocols that promote and ensure the health and safety of these individuals over the course of a prospective season (both on and off the field), must be meted out in order for the season to be green-lit completely. However, with a schedule in hand and with bye weeks built into said schedule to potentially address any COVID outbreaks amongst teams, the prospect of a 2020 season feels as real as ever since the cancellation of spring practices in mid-March.

Below, WFOD takes a closer look at the Ducks’ new-look 2020 schedule and offers up its observations and takeaways as we cross our fingers and hope for a healthy and uninterrupted football season.

1. The Ducks get a decent shake out of the gate in Weeks 1-3

On paper, the revised start to the 2020 season appears much more conducive to a fast start than an opening three weeks that originally featured a three-game home stand against reigning FCS champion North Dakota State, perennial power Ohio State, and pesky Hawaii. The Ducks would have undoubtedly been favored in games against the Bison and Rainbow Warriors, but neither game would have offered Oregon the kind of cupcake non-conference opponent they’ve traditionally rolled over in recent seasons. Sandwich those games around a visit from the national championship contending Buckeyes, which would have been one of the most highly-anticipated games in Autzen Stadium history, and you can see how Duck fans might be have been leery of a 3-0 start.

Instead, Oregon hopes to start the season with a home game vs. Colorado on September 26 before hitting the road for their October 3 tilt in Pullman vs. Washington State. Both programs will be featuring a pair of new head coaches (and coaching staffs) in Karl Dorrell and Nick Rolovich, respectively, who have not had the luxury of getting critical hands-on time with their new teams due to the pandemic. Compared to other Pac-12 programs who have had established rapport between coaches and players, it’s reasonable to think that there will be an especially steep learning curve for the Colorados and Washington States of the world in the early going. Also, getting the Cougars in Pullman in early October, opposed to late November as was originally scheduled, is a major boon for the Ducks in terms of avoiding the harsh weather conditions that are typical of the Palouse that time of year.

The Ducks will have a quick turnaround in preparing to face their Week 3 opponent in Arizona State on Friday, October 9 in Eugene, though motivation for that game should be in ample supply considering Oregon’s heartbreaking and College Football Playoff derailing loss to the Sun Devils in Tempe last season.

2. The Ducks and Beavers will play each other in mid-October?!

Much has changed in the months since Oregon and Oregon State last met on a football field. Not only is the rivalry game no longer officially referred to as the “Civil War,” but the Ducks and Beavers will square-off this fall on October 17 opposed to their customary late November date to end the regular season.

Believe it or not though, it won’t be the first time that the Ducks and Beavers have played one another in the month of October. In fact, it has happened three previous times in history of the rivalry, with the last October matchup between Oregon and Oregon State occurring in 1945. Though the game is scheduled to take place in Corvallis this season, Oregon no doubt hopes it can even up Oregon State’s 2-1 advantage over the Ducks in the month of October.

Pac-12 approves 2020 football schedule and plans for fall sports.

Full info ➡️ https://t.co/GSrX1TOFS2#Pac12FB | #BackThePac pic.twitter.com/9sUq38VwY6

— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) July 31, 2020

3. Oregon has a scheduled bye prior to arguably their toughest three-game stretch of the season

The key word here is “scheduled,” as there is no telling what kind of COVID-induced twists and turns could occur once the season actually gets underway. Assuming the best, however, the Ducks will have the benefit of a bye week before embarking on perhaps their most arduous three-game stretch of the season beginning with a home game vs. Washington on Halloween followed by a daunting road trip to Berkeley to face Cal on November 7, and concluding with a home game vs. USC on November 14.

Navigating a 10-game conference schedule will be difficult enough, but if Oregon is to live up to the lofty expectations that are held of them entering the upcoming season, its ability to go 3-0 during this important stretch could be what ultimately makes or breaks any potential College Football Playoff aspirations.

4. A date with Utah in Salt Lake City will serve as the Ducks’ regular season finale

Next to the November 7 game at Cal, Oregon’s season finale at Utah on December 5 will likely stand as the most precarious road trip on the schedule for the Ducks in 2020. Though the Utes aren’t expected to have fans in the stands this season, Rice-Eccles Stadium has proven to be a difficult place to earn a victory for visiting teams through the years. Add in the fact that Salt Lake City weather in early December isn’t likely to cooperate, and you have the makings of a game that is ripe with upset potential should Oregon be in a position to punch their ticket to the Pac-12 Championship and perhaps even a trip to the College Football Playoff.

5. The Pac-12 Championship will be held at the home stadium of the higher seeded team

If we’re fortunate enough to make it through a 10-game conference schedule, the Pac-12 Championship Game will be hosted by the Pac-12 team with the best record this season, not Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as was originally scheduled. For Duck fans, this is a significant piece of information, as Oregon is widely projected to finish as the top team in the conference this season. With COVID-19 expected to be on the minds of everyone this fall, any opportunity to avoid travel and maintain some semblance of control over the health and well-being of your team by staying put should be relished.

Top Photo: A photo of The Duck during Oregon’s 35-22 win over San Jose State on Sept. 15, 2018 (Photo: Jenny Rydstedt/Whole Flock of Ducks)