It was so quiet in the Oregon locker room you could hear a season end. Amid the near silence Wednesday night, Ducks cornerback Jabbar Muhammad found himself offering a way-too-early state-of-the union assessment of his program.

Despite a tough loss in the Rose Bowl, the Oregon Ducks showed sportsmanship and resilience, leaving Ohio State with a heartfelt message ahead of the College Football Playoff semifinals.

For decades, the Ducks have knocked at the door of becoming a desired member of college football's elite. All they're missing is the trophy.