Oregon Football: 5 reasons the Ducks will contend in 2019

The Pac-12 has belonged to Washington in recent years, but Oregon football has a good chance to steal the conference crown in 2019.

The oddly timed departure of Willie Taggart before 2018 didn’t seem to faze Oregon at all once they hit the field. In a nine-win season, the Ducks pulled off victories against Washington and Michigan State, returning to their winning ways.

In one of the bigger offseason surprises, Justin Herbert decided to delay the NFL and return for his senior season. Now, with a top NFL quarterback prospect returning to lead a roster that is truly coming into its own, 2019 could be a special year in Eugene.

5. Defensive playmakers

Oregon had solid defensive numbers in 2018, but it wasn’t necessarily an elite unit, finishing 55th in total defense. As is often the case in the modern game, though, it’s far more important to just be great situationally.

In the red zone, this defense held opponents to field goals 43 percent of the time. They were a prime example of “bend, but don’t break”.  Against a schedule that features several great offenses, this playmaking ability will once again be vital.

They’ll be led by linebacker Troy Dye, who had 115 tackles in 2018 and brought his career total to 313. He, much like Herbert, decided to hold off on the NFL for one more year at Oregon.

Kayvon Thibodeaux is the next big thing. He’s the highest rated recruit in Oregon history, and he’ll bring unparalleled athleticism to this defensive line.