Oregon Football: Ducks’ 2017 season preview and predictions

EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks passes the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks passes the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
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The 2017 Oregon football season is right around the corner and here’s the preview, with some predictions for the upcoming campaign.

If you’re a casual college football fan and you predicted Oregon would suffer as mightily as it did in 2016, you might either be crazy or just an evil genius. Not many saw the Ducks’ demise coming, especially since Mark Helfrich had shown no signs of slowing down as the head coach, leading them to the playoff not too long ago.

However, a poor season led to his dismissal. Oregon finished 4-8 after winning the first two games of the season. Not much went right for the team as it changed starting quarterbacks halfway through the year and the defense couldn’t seem to stop anyone.

The Ducks are moving in a different direction, though. Former South Florida head coach Willie Taggart has taken over and many believe he’s the answer to the Ducks’ current problems. The team is looking to rebound immediately, and there’s a good chance it can do so with the talent it currently possesses.

Taggart helped turn USF completely around during his time there and he’s hoping to do more with a program in a better position and with more resources. Things are looking up in Eugene, but what does the 2017 season forecast bring?

Will there be much winning to be had in Eugene next season or will it be gloomy all year round? Take a look at the preview, and predictions, for the upcoming campaign.