Led by 11th-year head coach Mike Bellotti, the Ducks compiled an overall record of 10–2 with a mark of 7–1 in conference play, placing second in the Pac-10.

Oregon won their final three games and their success led them into contention for a bid to the Fiesta Bowl.

Ohio State finished just ahead of the Ducks, in fourth place, guaranteeing them one of the at-large berths, although they had an inferior 10–2 record.

Many college football fans were outraged that two teams with worse records were selected over the Ducks.

[2] Instead of a BCS game, the Ducks were assigned to the Holiday Bowl versus the Oklahoma Sooners.