Why are Dan Lanning's Oregon Ducks ranked behind Texas in Week 8 AP Poll rankings?

The Oregon Ducks picked up their biggest win of the 2024 college football season in Week 7 as they beat the Ohio State Buckeyes 32-31 to improve to 6-0. The thrilling matchup between the top three ranked opponents came down to the wire and is an early contender for Game of the Year.

While they entered the game ranked No. 3 in the nation, they only moved up one spot in the latest rendition of the AP Top 25 Poll as the Texas Longhorns were able to hold on to the top spot.

Here's a closer look at three reasons why the Ducks remain ranked behind the Longhorns despite their big win.

Why are Dan Lanning's Oregon Ducks ranked behind Texas in Week 8 AP Poll rankings?

#1. Oregon started slow

The Ducks entered the season ranked No. 3 in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll. After a 10-point win over the FCS-level Idaho Vandals in their season opener, they slipped to No. 7 in the rankings. Oregon fell two more spots in the rankings the following week, landing at No. 9 in the AP Top 25 Poll after a three-point victory over the Boise State Broncos.

While that win has aged well as Boise State has climbed into the rankings, the Ducks have had to work their way back up the poll.

#2. Texas has been blowing out opponents

While the Oregon Ducks struggled in the first two weeks of the season, the same cannot be said for the Texas Longhorns. They are also 6-0 with an average margin of victory of 36.8 points per game.

Furthermore, Texas has outscored their opponents 259-38, with the closest game they have played thus far being a 31-12 victory over the then-No. 10 Michigan Wolverines. They also have two wins over ranked opponents, while Oregon has just one such win – meaning that they haven't just been taking advantage of easier competition.

#3. Texas has been elite on both sides of the ball

While the Ducks have been strong on both sides of the ball – ranking No. 29 in scoring offense and No. 30 defense – the Longhorns have been among the best teams in the nation on offense and defense.

They have averaged 43.2 ppg and 495.7 ypg, both of which rank No. 7 out of 134 teams in the nation. They have been even better defensively, allowing just 6.3 ppg and 229.7 ypg, both of which lead the nation.

The Oregon Ducks travel to face the Purdue Boilermakers next on Friday while the Texas Longhorns have a big matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs in Austin on Saturday.