Oregon is in a unique position as the only undefeated team in the nation. However, their path to the national championship is far from easy. With challenging bracket placements and tough opponents along the way, they must prove their mettle.

Oregon's Quest for the National Championship - A Tough Journey Ahead

12. SMU (No. 11 seed)

The Mustangs' journey to the playoff was a surprise. After Rhett Lashlee's quarterback change in September, they rose to the occasion and earned a playoff bid. But their first-round opponent, Penn State, poses a significant challenge. SMU's lack of victories against top 25 teams raises questions about their ability to compete at this level.They specialized in beating bad and average teams during the regular season, but now they face a tougher test. Their favorable ACC schedule may not have prepared them for the intensity of the playoff.

11. Clemson (No. 12 seed)

Dabo Swinney's squad showed great resilience by rallying into the playoff after a season-opening blowout defeat to Georgia. But that game was a sign of what lies ahead. Clemson will face a tough test in their first-round matchup against Texas. Even if they manage an early upset, they are on Oregon's side of the bracket, making their path to the championship even more difficult.Their defense will need to step up to overcome the challenges they face.

10. Indiana (No. 10 seed)

Curt Cignetti deserves credit for his first-year achievements at Indiana. Taking the Hoosiers from 3-9 to 11-1 is no small feat. Indiana was known for crushing bad and average teams, but their lone game against a playoff qualifier, Ohio State, did not go well.Playing at Notre Dame in the first round will be a tough start for them. Their success will depend on how well they can handle the pressure of playing against top-tier teams.

9. Arizona State (No. 4 seed)

The Sun Devils have been on a hot streak, winning six consecutive games including a Big 12 championship rout of Iowa State. Running back Cam Skattebo has emerged as one of the nation's most exciting players. But their quarterfinals matchup against Texas' tough run defense could be a stumbling block.Can Arizona State overcome this challenge and continue their winning streak?

8. Boise State (No. 3 seed)

The Broncos qualified for the playoff without any special favors. Their resume is strong, exceeding that of at-large qualifiers like Indiana and SMU. Ashton Jeanty has been a standout player, but the question remains whether Boise State's pass attack can provide enough balance to beat teams like Penn State or Georgia in successive games.They will need to play at their best to make it to the championship.

7. Tennessee (No. 9 seed)

Tennessee's defense is on par with elite units at Texas, Ohio State, and Notre Dame. They carried the Volunteers this far, but their path ahead is tough. Starting at Ohio State on the road is a challenge, and then they would face Oregon in the later rounds.Quarterback Nico Iamaleava's performance against SEC opponents raises questions about his ability to lead the team to a national championship.

6. Penn State (No. 6 seed)

Penn State is like a light-beer version of 2023 Michigan. They have a good team, but is it enough to win four playoff games? Their bracket draw is favorable, as they would not face Oregon until the national championship game or Georgia until the semifinals.However, coach James Franklin's team has a history of losing big games, including losses to Ohio State and Oregon this season. This could be a potential weakness.

5. Ohio State (No. 8 seed)

The Buckeyes are filled with talent and have beaten multiple playoff qualifiers. But their offensive line is down two starters, and the loss to Michigan has put them on a tough path to the national championship.Their route includes Tennessee, Oregon, possibly Texas in the semifinals, and tough opponents like Georgia, Notre Dame, or Penn State in the championship. It won't be easy.

4. Notre Dame (No. 7 seed)

The Irish finished the regular season on a high note and drew a favorable side of the bracket. Their ground game and defense have been difficult to stop. But the question is whether their light schedule has prepared them for the rigors of four playoff games against tough opponents.They could be the best team on this side of Oregon, or they could be a product of a forgiving schedule. Only time will tell.

3. Georgia (No. 2 seed)

Georgia earned a first-round bye but lost their starting quarterback. Carson Beck is out indefinitely, but Gunner Stockton has stepped up and led the team to victory in the SEC championship.The more pressing question is whether Georgia's supporting cast can measure up to past teams. They have a lot to prove, but don't count them out just yet.

2. Texas (No. 5 seed)

The Longhorns lack a win against a playoff qualifier, but they have a strong defense and an offensive line that has handled most opponents. They are a decisive favorite in their first two games against Clemson and Arizona State.The question is whether quarterback Quinn Ewers can lead them to a national championship. He has been good but not spectacular. Texas will need him to play at a higher level if they want to make it to the top.

1. Oregon (No. 1 seed)

Oregon has the best quarterback in the playoff and no glaring weaknesses. Their offensive line is also strong and suits the Big Ten style. The Ducks have faced tough tests throughout the season and have come out on top.But their playoff draw was not kind to them. If it's Oregon or the field, the field may have an advantage. If it's between Oregon and another team, give me Oregon. They are the team to beat.Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer. Subscribe to read all of his columns.