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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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BOULDER, CO – OCTOBER 03: Quarterback Sefo Liufau #13 of the Colorado Buffaloes carries the ball against the Oregon Ducks defense at Folsom Field on October 3, 2015 in Boulder, Colorado. The Ducks defeated the Buffs 41-24. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO – OCTOBER 03: Quarterback Sefo Liufau #13 of the Colorado Buffaloes carries the ball against the Oregon Ducks defense at Folsom Field on October 3, 2015 in Boulder, Colorado. The Ducks defeated the Buffs 41-24. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

3. Ducks finish top 25 in scoring defense

The Oregon defense was bad last year. Really bad. Lack of effort, heart, and being undisciplined were their hallmarks. I didn’t realize how bad it was until I saw the stats.

Last year, the Ducks finished an embarrassing 126th out of 128 teams in scoring defense. Only Cal and Texas Tech allowed more points per game than Oregon (41.4) last year. Let’s compare that to Colorado, who finished 20th in scoring defense and passing yards allowed per game. Leavitt’s defense only allowed and average of 21.7 points pr game.

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Why on earth would I compare Colorado defensive stats with Oregon? The Ducks new defensive coordinator is none other than Colorado’s Jim Leavitt. Even though there is nowhere to go but up for the Ducks defense, there is hope of a one season transformation.

Leavitt was the architect of the Buffaloes’ stingy defense. Leavitt was impressive at Colorado because he was able to construct a formidable defense without one recruiting class ranked inside the top 50 by any recruiting site. The Ducks aren’t as talented on defense as they have been in the past, however, there is still more talent on Oregon’s roster than Colorado’s.

All reports out of Eugene are saying Willie Taggart and Jim Leavitt have the Ducks playing inspired football. The defense looks physical, fast, and passionate. The defense will far exceed expectations and be a top 25 defense in 2017.

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