Oregon Football: Preseason game-by-game predictions for 2017 season

Southern Utah featured a ballhawking defense in 2016. With 20 interceptions and another half dozen fumble recoveries, the Thunderbirds defense were among the FCS leaders in turnovers and turnover margin. But they also conceded an average of more than four touchdowns per game, gave up over 300 passing yards through the air each outing, and were merely a middle-of-the-pack defense in most other categories.

The result was that the Thunderbirds ultimately ended the year with a 6-5 record. Southern Utah barely finished over .500 in Big Sky Conference play, and they were nowhere near reaching the FCS playoffs. They were selected by both media members and coaches to finish seventh in the 13-team Big Sky this season.

In that context, Southern Utah looks a lot like many other FCS opponents Oregon has faced in recent years. The Ducks have played one lower-division team per year every season since 2010. In that seven-year stretch, Oregon has won every one of those games by double digits.

This year should be no different. Justin Herbert should have plenty of time to build up confidence with new receivers to begin the season, and Royce Freeman could begin an early Heisman campaign with a huge day against Southern Utah’s overmatched front seven. Look for this one to be out of reach well before halftime.

FINAL: Oregon 62, Southern Utah 17 (1-0)