Oregon, Texas, Arizona State, SMU making strong impression on new conferences

On By Littum

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The Pac-12 as we knew it may be dead, but its former members are still undergoing the latest round of conference realignment.

Oregon (Big Ten) and Arizona State (Big 12) are the two biggest winners after leaving the former West Coast Conference, as both have advanced to conference title games in their new respective conferences in their first years. The No. 1 Ducks (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten) and no. 13 The Sun Devils (10-2, 7-2 Big 12) have translated success into their new conferences.

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Oregon plays no. 3 at Penn State, while Arizona State plays no. 16 at Iowa State. However, they are not the only two newcomers from the conference to reach the title in their first seasons.

SEC newcomer no. 2 Texas (11-1, 7-1) takes on the usual top-seeded No. 5 Georgia in its championship game, while SMU (11-1, 8-0 ACC) plays No. 17 Clemson in the ACC Championship Game after moving from the American Conference.

Here’s a deeper look at the newcomers in their conferences to qualify for the conference championship:

Oregon – Big Ten Conference

  • Previous conference: Pac-12
  • Number of Conference Championships: 13
  • Last Conference Championship: 2020 (Pac-12)

There is no doubt that the Dan Lanning-led program belongs among the elite. The Ducks are the lone 12-0 team in FBS football and are seeking their first ever 13-0 start. Oregon’s resume is bolstered by a 32-31 win over then-No. 2 Ohio State on Oct. 26

Texas – SEC

  • Previous conference: Big 12
  • Number of Conference Championships: 29
  • Last Conference Championship: 2023 (Big 12)

Texas finished 11-1 in its first season in the new conference after doubts about how the Steve Sarkisian-led program would fare in college football’s toughest conference. Aside from a loss to Georgia on Oct. 19, the Longhorns handled the transition well. Now awaits the chance for revenge against the Bulldogs.

Arizona State – Big 12

  • Previous conference: Pac-12
  • Number of Conference Championships: 17
  • Last Conference Championship: 2010 (Pac-10)

Kenny Dillingham’s program has been one of the most under-the-radar teams in the nation this season. The Sun Devils have reversed course from a 3-9 record in 2023 to their first double-digit win season since 2023. Arizona State was picked to finish last in the Big 12 preseason poll.

SMU – ACC

  • Previous conference: American
  • Number of Conference Championships: 12
  • Last Conference Championship: 2023 (AAC)

The Mustangs have handled the transition from a Group of Five conference to the Power 4 well. SMU went undefeated in ACC play, proving it belongs under third-year coach Rhett Lashlee. With a win, the Mustangs should be in the 12-team College Football Playoff. But they have a shot, even if they lose a close game to the Tigers.