Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Pac 12 Football: Preseason 2016 Conference Power Rankings

By Ryan Young

Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) scores a 28 yard reception and touchdown against the Southern California Trojans in the fourth quarter of the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi
Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) scores a 28 yard reception and touchdown against the Southern California Trojans in the fourth quarter of the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
12 of 13
Next
Nov 27, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball into the red zone in the first quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball into the red zone in the first quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Last Season Record: 9-4 Overall, 7-2 Pac-12
  • Season Opener: UC Davis | Sept. 3
  • Key Games: Virginia, at Nebraska, at Cal, Stanford

Oregon had a good season last year, but it just wasn’t up to the standards that recent Oregon teams have set. Finishing just 9-4, it was their first season with less than 10 wins since 2007.

Oregon Ducks
Oregon Ducks /

Oregon Ducks

And while they still came up with big wins, including wins at Washington and Stanford, the Duck’s three overtime loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl reinforced the struggle the Ducks had faced all year.

However, Oregon seems poised to return to form this year. Running back Royce Freeman, who ran for more than 1,800 yards and had 17 touchdowns last season, Freeman will make another big push this season — one that could even be worthy of a Heisman trophy.

Questions remain, though, at quarterback and on the defensive side. Oregon is switching to a 4-3 defense this year after struggling immensely last season. The Ducks ranked 117 in the country in total defense last season, something that needs to change. And, recent Montana State transfer Dakota Prukop is set to lead the offense at quarterback, but remains untested.

Regardless, Oregon should be able to work out any kinks in the first few weeks and return to peak form. If all goes well, they’ll provide Stanford a real challenge to win the conference.

Next: Number 1

Home/Pac-12