[JohnR34231]

Because we count all conference games in the divisional race, even interdivisional ones.  To do otherwise would essentially turn our games against the Pac-12 South teams into out-of-conference games. 

If we only counted games against our intradivisional opponents we could, in theory, get to the Pac-12 championship game with a 4-8 record, even if Oregon only has a single loss and finishes with an identical 4-1 division record. 

But it does seem a little crazy that we have a good chance of sweeping the division while claiming wins over the South division's top 2 teams and ending up with no P-12CG berth to show for it.

I think the reason is that if you only count the division games toward the championship, you diminish the importance of the other conference games, and the conference gurus did not want to do that.
The Ducks luck out a little this year because they don't have to play U$C, who just may currently be the best team in the South.

[JohnR34231]

Because we count all conference games in the divisional race, even interdivisional ones.  To do otherwise would essentially turn our games against the Pac-12 South teams into out-of-conference games. 

If we only counted games against our intradivisional opponents we could, in theory, get to the Pac-12 championship game with a 4-8 record, even if Oregon only has a single loss and finishes with an identical 4-1 division record. 

But it does seem a little crazy that we have a good chance of sweeping the division while claiming wins over the South division's top 2 teams and ending up with no P-12CG berth to show for it.

I think the reason is that if you only count the division games toward the championship, you diminish the importance of the other conference games, and the conference gurus did not want to do that.
The Ducks luck out a little this year because they don't have to play U$C, who just may currently be the best team in the South.