Number three in the country is pretty heady territory. Now the Ducks have to avoid a letdown or a stumble. They have to keep improving.
There will be increased media attention, demands for interviews, and everyone telling them how great they are. They're coming off the high of College GameDay and a big win on national TV. They will have to keep the lessons in mind from last season, what happened after USC, what happened in the build up to the Rose Bowl.
The hard work and preparation and focus that got them here has to be increased going forward. Washington State wants an elusive PAC-10 win. UCLA wants to make a name for themselves with their highly recruited athletes and Pistol offense. Jake Locker wants career win number one versus the Ducks. USC wants revenge, wants to salvage something from a season where they don't have much to play for. Knocking off the Ducks would be a season highlight for seven remaining PAC-10 teams. They all have talent. Many have a topflight quarterback, a shifty running back and fleet receivers. Inattention or overconfidence can ruin a dream season in a handful of plays.
Not these Ducks. They are smart, mature and ready. Speaking to ESPN's Ivan Maisel, Drew Davis said it best: "rankings don't win games." They don't. But maturity, focus and effort do.
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