Oregon
Outlining No. 1 Oregon’s path to a College Football Playoff championship
The No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff hardly comes with the easiest road to a championship.
Oregon learned its fate Sunday after the Ducks were awarded the No. 1 seed. Oregon’s potential path to winning the CFP title in Atlanta on January 20 could require wins over Ohio State, Texas and Georgia. Those are among the bluest of college football blue bloods.
To put it into context, Oregon (13-0) may need wins over teams that were among AP Top 25′s preseason top four – Georgia No. 1, Ohio State No. 2 and Texas No. 4. Oregon was No. 3.
The biggest perk as the No. 1 seed is a first-round bye. The Ducks know they’ll open the CFP in the quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl on January 1, facing the first-round winner of Ohio State-Tennessee.
Should Oregon survive, it’ll advance to the Cotton Bowl on Friday, Jan. 10. The Ducks’ CFP semifinal opponent is the Peach Bowl winner, where Arizona State faces a first-round winner between Texas-Clemson in the semifinals.
The championship game, Monday, Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, could see the Ducks facing No. 2 Georgia or No. 3 Boise State.
Let’s look at each step:
QUARTERFINALS (Rose Bowl): The Ducks know they’re headed to Pasadena. They could face a familiar opponent in Ohio State (10-2), or in Tennessee (10-2), a team Oregon hasn’t played since 2013.
Oregon defeated Ohio State 32-31 on October 12 in Eugene, a back-and-forth game that the Ducks pulled out on an Atticus Sappington 19-yard field goal with 1:47 remaining.
The Ducks and Buckeyes have played 11 times, with Ohio State leading the series 9-2. However, Oregon has won the last two meetings. This would be the third Oregon-Ohio State Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes won both, 26-17 in 2010, and 10-7 in 1958.
Ohio State appeared on a collision to play Oregon in the Big Ten championship game before it was upset by rival Michigan 13-10 in the regular season finale.
It’s far from a sure thing the Rose Bowl will have one of its traditional matchups. Tennessee was a tough out in the SEC this season. The Volunteers’ best wins came over Alabama and Oklahoma, with losses to Georgia and Arkansas.
Oregon is undefeated in the Tennessee series, having won by blowout margins in 2010 and 2013 games.
SEMIFINALS (Cotton Bowl): One of three teams await Oregon should it advance from the Rose Bowl: No. 4 Arizona State (11-2), No. 5 Texas (11-2) or No. 12 Clemson (10-3) at the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Tex.
At first blush, the worst matchup is Texas, as the Cotton Bowl means a Longhorns-heavy crowd. Texas’ only two losses this season came to No. 2 Georgia. The Longhorns were dominant at times during their 2024 campaign, including six double-digit wins against SEC competition.
Oregon and Texas have played six times, with the Longhorns leading the series 4-2. The last time they played was the 2013 Alamo Bowl, where the Ducks won 30-7.
Oregon will play a former Pac-12 foe should Arizona State win the Peach Bowl. The Ducks lead the 39-game series 21-18, having split the past four games. The last time Oregon and ASU played was 2023, when the Ducks hammered the Sun Devils 49-13 in Eugene. They’ve never played each other in a bowl game.
Arizona State has been a fan favorite in 2024. Just 3-9 in 2023, second-year coach Kenny Dillingham – a former Ducks offensive coordinator – led a remarkable rebuild as the Sun Devils won the Big 12 championship this season.
Arizona State, led by West Linn High grad Sam Leavitt at quarterback, won its final six games to claim a CFP berth. The Sun Devils had one of the most impressive conference championship game performances, burying Iowa State 45-19.
Clemson, the 12 seed, is the third Cotton Bowl option for Oregon. The Ducks and Tigers have never played. Clemson have the least impressive resume of the three possible semifinal opponents, its best win coming over SMU in the ACC championship game. Among the Tigers’ three losses was a 34-3 defeat to Georgia in the season opener.
CFP CHAMPIONSHIP (Atlanta): If Oregon gets this far, the most likely foe is Georgia (11-2). The No. 2 Bulldogs drew a decidedly easier route to the January 20 championship game than Oregon, as its side of the bracket includes No. 3 Boise State, No. 6 Penn State, No. 7 Notre Dame, No. 10 Indiana and No. 11 SMU.
Oregon has played two of the six championship game possibilities this season in Penn State (won 45-37 in Big Ten championship game) and Boise State (won 37-34 in Eugene).
With so many potential championship-game opponents, let’s focus on a No. 1 vs. 2 matchup. It won’t be lost on anyone that the last time Oregon and Georgia played, it was Dan Lanning’s 2022 UO debut, where the Bulldogs won 49-3 in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Said Georgia coach Kirby Smart of Lanning, his former defensive coordinator: “He’s going to do a really good job at Oregon. He’s relentless, and they’ll bounce back from this. He knows that we’ve got better players. He’ll never says it, but he knows we’ve got better plays, and I respect how he works.”
Georgia has an impressive resume, with two wins over Texas, and a 31-17 win over Tennessee. The Bulldogs’ losses were 41-34 to Alabama, and 28-10 to Mississipppi.
Of the remaining possibilities, Boise State is most appealing. The Broncos’ only loss this season came to the Ducks, an incredibly competitive game where Oregon had to score the game’s final 10 points to win 37-34. The Broncos have running back Ashton Jeanty, who is battling Colorado’s Travis Hunter for the Heisman Trophy as college football’s most outstanding player.
–Nick Daschel can be reached at 360-607-4824, ndaschel@oregonian.com or @nickdaschel.
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Oregon
Oregon Lottery Pick 4 results for March 1
The Oregon Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at March 1, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 1 drawing
1PM: 4-1-6-1
4PM: 6-5-5-6
7PM: 2-1-9-9
10PM: 6-2-5-4
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Oregon Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 7:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 7:59 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 4: 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
- Win for Life: 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Megabucks: 7:29 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oregon editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Oregon
Editorial: A legislative ‘solution’ that only creates more loopholes
Oregon
6 Friendliest Towns to Visit on the Pacific Coast in 2026
From Mount Baker’s soaring backdrop to the hillside village of Oceanside with its hidden tunnel beach, the Pacific Coast’s best moments often come in small-town America. Each waterfront has its own mix of boardwalks and marina sunsets, whether you’re strolling the sand in Brookings or catching the last light in Fort Bragg. Add in Victorian mansions, occasional Mediterranean-style flourishes, and that storybook, salt-air atmosphere that feels tailor-made for seaside fun. Below are the 6 friendliest towns on the Pacific Coast.
Brookings, Oregon
Although easy to overlook at first, Brookings leaves a lasting impression once visited. Located near the southern tip of Oregon’s coast, just six miles from California, it offers long, sandy beaches ideal for beachcombing, swimming, and relaxing—often with fewer crowds thanks to the area’s “Banana Belt” climate. North of town, Harris Beach State Park provides stunning scenery, diverse trails, and a rocky pocket beach perfect for memorable photos. Chetco Point Park surrounds Macklyn Cove with peaceful oceanfront paths, tide pools, a scenic lookout, and picnic areas nestled among rocks.
Within town, you’ll find bars, grills, a brewery, and a charming selection of shops and galleries, including Manley Art Center & Gallery—ideal for a midday break or relaxing after sunset. During summer, Azalea Park hosts free concerts and features a bandshell, sports facilities, and kids’ play areas. Take a photo at Capella by the Sea, a unique wood-and-stone chapel built by film producer Elmo Williams, then cross the Chetco River to Harbor, another delightful nearby community. At Chetco Brewing Company, the beer is proudly “homegrown,” crafted with ingredients from the property—like Irish moss for clarifying—without pesticides, herbicides, or additives, resulting in a crisp, refreshing taste.
Depoe Bay, Oregon
Perched above the Pacific, Depoe Bay is a charming, compact town famously known as the world’s smallest natural navigable ocean harbor. Marine enthusiasts visit to see this up close, but that’s just part of the appeal. Combining its small-harbor claim with a larger reputation, Depoe Bay is celebrated as the whale-watching capital of the Oregon coast. From March to December, humpbacks, gray whales, and even orcas can be seen along with a variety of sea life. Unlike many locations where whale watching requires tickets, you can often view these giants for free during migration season from the town’s expansive observation deck.
Beyond whale watching, there’s plenty to explore. Visit the Whale Watch Center, or arrange a trip with Dockside Charters and Whale Watching Tours—an ideal gift for nature lovers. The museum at Whale Research EcoExcursions costs less than $5 and is located right at the harbor. Bayfront hotels in Depoe Bay are a popular choice for couples, especially for special occasions like honeymoons. For a rugged shoreline experience, Depoe Bay Scenic Park, next to the iconic Arch Rock Café, provides spots for wading, picnicking, and photography. When it’s time to dine, Gracie’s Sea Hag offers exceptional oceanfront seafood along with a bar and vibrant music scene.
Fort Bragg, California
About 150 miles north of San Francisco, Fort Bragg feels even more remote—in the best way. The area’s loudest sounds are the soothing waves, and the stars are the only bright lights in the night sky. The air is fresh and crisp, and the streets are pleasantly quiet—thanks to the outdoor attractions that steal the spotlight, from quick dips in the ocean to birdwatching and year-round whale-watching. You can explore Noyo Harbor by kayak from the docks, or take a scenic ride on the Skunk Train (or a rail bike) through meadows and redwoods. For a relaxed day, visit the Glass Fire Art Glass Gallery, stroll the trails at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, then enjoy the sunset at Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, whose beam reaches 15 miles into the sea after dark.
Downtown Fort Bragg offers history walks, wine tastings, pub crawls with local brews, a cooking school, and the Discovery Center featuring a Blue Whale skeleton. Just south, many visitors go to Pomo Bluffs Park, a 25-acre area with benches and interpretive signs along the coastal trail for hiking and biking. Watch fishing boats bring in salmon, Dungeness crab, and abalone, then dine at The Wharf with waterfront views. For more open space, MacKerricher State Park provides wetlands full of birds and seal-watching opportunities, plus nearby Glass Beach, where colorful sea-tumbled glass sparkles like tiny treasures from the ocean.
La Conner, Washington
La Conner is a charming town nestled on a delta near the mouth of the Skagit River, and it’s the oldest town in Skagit County. Its historic downtown showcases beautiful architecture from the early 1860s, a period when pioneers like Alexander Underwood, Michael Sullivan, Sam Calhoun, and A.G. Tillinghast settled in the area shortly after the Civil War. Originally named Swinomish, the town was later renamed by John Conner in honor of his wife, Louisa A., following his purchase of John Hayes’ trading post in 1869. This marked the beginning of the town’s first post office and general store on the west side of the Swinomish Slough. With a proud history and a strong focus on preservation, the entire town is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, La Conner remains a vibrant community that still hosts the Swinomish Tribal Community. It beautifully combines the laid-back charm of a historic fishing village with the lively spirit of a well-loved artists’ colony. It’s also a peaceful wintering spot for graceful swans and Canada geese. Located along the stunning Salish Sea between Seattle and Vancouver, it’s a perfect place to relax and explore. Whether you visit in April for the colorful Tulip Festival or anytime throughout the year, you’ll enjoy browsing charming galleries, chatting with friendly locals, and admiring breathtaking views of Mount Baker reflected in the water. From the cheerful daffodils of March to classic cars and the lively “Brew on the Slough” event in October, La Conner’s welcoming calendar is packed with delightful events. Enjoy its unique boutiques, tasty dining options, and three fascinating museums—making it a wonderful weekend getaway.
Oceanside, Oregon
Oceanside feels wonderfully calming even before you arrive—true to its name, it’s a place that gently reminds you of just how much the ocean influences our world. It offers everything you might hope for: expansive horizon views, a tranquil beach, and a charming oceanfront café where time seems to slow down on purpose. Offshore, the stunning Three Arch Rocks—part of a protected wildlife refuge—anchor the breathtaking scenery. At Maxwell Point, the coastline creates a delightful illusion of distance and scale. During low tide, you can stroll through a tunnel to reach Tunnel Beach, then continue past rocky points to explore a series of secluded coves that feel like a hidden world miles away.
With cozy beach rentals and charming B&Bs, settling into a relaxed rhythm is easy: start your day with breakfast at Blue Agate Cafe, return later for comforting seafood, homemade desserts, and drinks at Roseanna’s Cafe, and wind down beneath the majestic silhouette of the arched rocks overhead. There are so many iconic spots to explore—Symons State Scenic Viewpoint, Lost Boy Beach, and the Short Beach Trailhead—all just a short hike or drive away. And despite its quiet charm, this community remains wonderfully laid-back, nestled into a hillside that feels like a natural amphitheater, offering sweeping views from Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site.
Tofino, British Columbia
Stretching from Washington through Oregon and into California, the U.S. “West Coast” continues north into British Columbia. With geography on its side, Tofino is pure Vancouver Island charisma—wild beaches, moody skies, and the real possibility of spotting black bears. With access via a reasonably priced charter flight or a ferry-and-bus combo, it’s surprising that something this rugged and authentic sits so close to Vancouver’s bustle. Start your day at the beloved Rhino Coffee House, then choose your own pace: fishing, kayaking, hiking, or simply sinking into the sands of Tonquin Park, which stretches from wilder Tonquin Beach near the tip to the calmer shoreline around Chesterman Beach.
Home to about 1,400 residents, including many surfers who share a love for whale-watching, Tofino proudly proclaims itself as the end of the Trans-Canada Highway. It offers a cozy selection of campsites, perfect for any adventure. Whether you’re riding the waves or quietly watching gray and humpback whales, just being here feels special — taking in the cedar-scented sea breeze as eagles soar above. Tofino completely avoids the chain-store scene, making it a truly relaxing retreat. Its mild climate features gentle winters and summers that are rarely too hot. For art lovers, Roy Henry Vickers Gallery highlights regional works, while Wolf in the Fog offers inventive, farm-fresh dishes and cocktails in a warm, inviting setting.
These colorful beachside towns greet you with captivating views, crashing waves, and ocean-fresh air—pairing old-world charm with a distinctly modern maritime culture. As varied as Washington, Oregon, California, and coastal British Columbia, they offer a little something for every kind of traveler. From Depoe Bay’s whale-watching scene to Fort Bragg’s wild coastline and Tofino’s surf-town spirit, spotting the ocean’s “friendly giants” is practically part of the itinerary.
And beyond the water, every slow turn down a quiet street reveals artisan boutiques, local eateries, and weathered cottages with real character. Whether you’re road-tripping the coast, escaping city noise, or overdue for a proper vacation, the blend of local life and wildlife delivers the kind of trip that stays with you. Watch whales from Depoe Bay, kayak Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg, then head north to Tofino for that far-flung, end-of-the-road feeling—without ever losing sight of the sea.
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