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”.
4. Justin Herbert is a Heisman Finalist
When I was playing for the Ducks, I never fathomed any player could ever be more beloved at the university than “Joey Heisman” Harrington. Well, I was wrong. Marcus Mariota blew that notion out of the water. He stole the hearts and minds of not only Ducks fans, but many college football fans around the country. Before you say, “there could never be a player to surpass Mariota in the pantheon of Oregon greats”, I present to you Justin Herbert.
Herbert is not only from Oregon, the kid is from Eugene! Imagine if he wins the Heisman, and one day a National Championship. The powers that be might rename Autzen Stadium, Herbert Stadium. Let me be the first to tell you — This. Is. Possible.
Last year in fall camp, multiple Oregon players told me Herbert should have been the Week 1 starter. Once Herbert finally got the starting job, he never looked back. As a true freshman, he showed flashes of being a special player in every game. He finished the season passing for almost 2,000 yards with 19 TDs in seven starts.
This season, the offensive line will be significantly improved allowing Herbert time to pass for over 4,000 yards, rush for over 500 and have 40 total touchdowns. These stats alone will land Herbert as a Heisman finalist. The one thing that will put him over the edge in the Heisman race is an Oregon Ducks Top 10 finish.
Before, you tell me Justin Herbert can’t win the Heisman, remember no one thought Lamar Jackson from Louisville would win the Heisman last season.
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.
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.
1. Oregon signs the No. 1 recruiting class in December
What better way to close out the season? Pac-12 champions preparing for a bowl game and signing the #1 recruiting class in the country.
More: Oregon Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017
The 2018 recruiting class is going to be interesting. This is the first year that players will be able to participate in an early signing period for football. Recruits can sign letters of intent from Dec. 20-22 instead of waiting until February. The Oregon coaching staff has already done an unbelievable job. They have shown an ability secure commitments for the nations’ top talent.
The staff has built off the momentum of the Saturday Night Live camp in July. Commitments from Steve Stephens, Malcolm Lamar, Adrian Jackson, Warren Thompson, Isaiah Bolden, etc., as future Ducks have already achieved a No. 5 ranking in the 2018 recruiting class. There are a few names left on the board that will land Oregon its first ever top 10 class, and — quite possibly — the No. 1 class.
Next: Oregon Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
A commitment from Solomon Tuliaupupu, Devon Williams, Talanoa Hufanga, Tyreke Smith and Chase Cota in December would cement one of the best 12 months in Oregon football recruiting history.