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Oregon Football: 5 bold predictions for the Ducks in 2017

By George Wrighster III

EUGENE - NOVEMBER 2: Oregon tightend George Wrighster #81 pulls in the pass from Jason Fife for a 5-yard touchdown during the NCAA football game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on November 2, 2002 in Eugene Oregon. The University of Oregon Ducks defeated the Stanford Cardinal 41-14. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
EUGENE - NOVEMBER 2: Oregon tightend George Wrighster #81 pulls in the pass from Jason Fife for a 5-yard touchdown during the NCAA football game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on November 2, 2002 in Eugene Oregon. The University of Oregon Ducks defeated the Stanford Cardinal 41-14. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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EUGENE – NOVEMBER 2: Oregon tightend George Wrighster #81 pulls in the pass from Jason Fife for a 5-yard touchdown during the NCAA football game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on November 2, 2002 in Eugene Oregon. The University of Oregon Ducks defeated the Stanford Cardinal 41-14. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
EUGENE – NOVEMBER 2: Oregon tightend George Wrighster #81 pulls in the pass from Jason Fife for a 5-yard touchdown during the NCAA football game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on November 2, 2002 in Eugene Oregon. The University of Oregon Ducks defeated the Stanford Cardinal 41-14. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Oregon football enters the 2017 season with adjusted expectations, but what can we expect from the Ducks?

Full Disclosure: The picture is me. I played for the Oregon Ducks from 1999-2003 and I love the Ducks with my heart and soul.

However, I did not write this from my heart. I wrote this from my head. Although, these predictions are supposed to be bold, I do believe they are all possible and rooted in reality.

5. Willie Taggart wins National Coach of the Year

Out of all the bold predictions for the 2017 Oregon Ducks, this seems to be the least bold. Before the Ducks take a snap this season, Willie Taggart has already won Recruiting Coach of the Year, in my opinion. He put together an outstanding 2017 recruiting class in just four weeks and his projected top five 2018 class is even more impressive. It’s a no brainer.

In reality, however, nobody wins Coach of the Year for the offseason recruiting. So, lets get to the nitty gritty of why Taggart could be the national Coach of the Year. He inherited a 4-8 team and program that had lost its entire identity. Taggart’s new tagline “Do Something” has sparked an inspiring change and new direction for the Ducks.

In addition, I believe that the Ducks’ talent gives them a chance to finish 9-3 or better and win the Pac-12 North in 2017 under Taggart’s direction. Oregon finally has its swagger and competitive spirit back. They also have an opportunity to avenge that ugly 70-21 loss at home to the team that shall not be mentioned — at least not until later in my post.

Also, few coaches have a set of circumstances that could unseat coach Taggart for Coach of the Year if he finishes 9-3 or better. Taggart’s best competition would be if PJ Fleck (Minnesota) wins the Big Ten West, if Kirby Smart (Georgia) wins the SEC or if James Franklin (Penn State) goes undefeated. All of these scenarios are possible but my bet is on Taggart to perform.

I didn’t mention the most important reason Taggart will be the National Coach of the Year. He has shown up in Eugene with an “enthusiasm unknown to mankind”.

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