#5 Oregon Ducks Season Preview

Oregon running back LaMichael James looks for redemption after losing  2 straight BCS Bowl games.  One to Ohio State in 2010 and a National Title game to Auburn in 2011.

Offensive Outlook: Oregon’s option attack has all their pieces returning.  Quarterback Darron Thomas check.  Run Blocking offensive line led by left guard Carson York check.  1 2 running back punch with LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner check.  The Ducks offense has a lot of pieces returning and is ready for another season.  Tight end David Paulson will be used as a blocking tight end making Oregon’s running game more dangerous.  If Oregon puts both running backs plus a fullback in the team would have arguably 8 different blockers ready to give LaMichael James the space to use his ball carrier vision to disect the defenses 8 man in the box blitz.

Oregon has some very accurate special teams players in kicker Rob Beard and punter Jackson Rice.  Oregon’s special teams coach should emphasize the importance of getting good kicking power on the kicks because he has two accurate players at kicker and punter on special teams who display amazing kicking accuracy.

Defensive Outlook: Oregon’s strong point on defense is the secondary.  Cornerback Cliff Harris is the teams best player on secondary.  Safeties John Boyett and Eddie Pleasant will help this secondary out.  Anthony Gildon is a senior and the #2 corner on the roster.

Despite losing middle linebacker Casey Matthews one linebacker does return.  That player is weak side linebacker Michael Clay playing the right outside linebacker spot in Oregon’s defense.

Prediction 10-2: There are 2 games on Oregon’s schedule that I believe they lose.  I think they lose to LSU on opening weekend and I also see the Ducks losing to Stanford on the road this season.