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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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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 05: The Oregon Ducks celebrate their PAC-12 victory against the Arizona Wildcats at Levi’s Stadium on December 5, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 05: The Oregon Ducks celebrate their PAC-12 victory against the Arizona Wildcats at Levi’s Stadium on December 5, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

2. Ducks win the Pac-12

Whoa George, slow down. You do remember the Ducks went 4-8 last year, and every streak was ended, right? Yes I do and thanks for reminding me. Since you are reading this and doubting, let me give you the road map to the Pac-12 Championship.

The first game of the year (Southern Utah) is crucial to starting the Willie Taggart era off right. This is the first step to the team regaining the winning spirit.

Game 2 (Nebraska) is the key to the entire season. Last year, the Ducks hung their heads when bad things happened or they faced adversity. The Cornhuskers are a good team and the game will not be a walk in the park. If the Ducks get a win, order is restored.

Games 3,4 and 5 (Wyoming, Arizona State and Cal) all have one common theme: Execute. Protect the football, don’t bust coverage, make the routine plays, and don’t beat yourself. These teams can sneak victories if the Ducks are to disciplined.

Game 6 (Washington State) is going to be a doozy. Mike Leach’s spread offense puts so much strain on a defense. It is going to be difficult for the Ducks secondary to hold up all game. If ever Ducks fans wanted it to pour rain in Autzen, this is the game.

Game 7, 8 and 9 (Stanford, UCLA and Utah) have a common theme, toughness. The Ducks are going to have to bring their hard hats for each of these games. Stanford, Utah, and UCLA are three of the most physical teams in the Pac-12. For a team who shied away from physicality last year, these games will be a true test. These are the wins that will secure Taggart’s Coach of the Year honors.

Game 10 (Washington) is all about revenge versus of the Ducks’ most bitter rival. DO NOT LOSE. The Ducks hate the Fuskies. The End.

Games 11 and 12 (Arizona and Oregon State) are “don’t blow it” games. The Ducks should have at least eight wins at this point and will be in prime position to win the Pac-12. Arizona and Oregon State can jump up and bite you if you are not careful. A young Oregon team will have matured greatly by this point in the season and should have no problem disposing of the bottom dwellers.

The Pac-12 Championship Game will likely be against USC or UCLA. The Ducks would prefer to play an undefeated USC at this point. This game will be a sign and a symbol to all who doubt that the Ducks are back. A win would mean an opportunity to get a bid to the College Football Playoff.

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