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Oregon Football: 5 reasons the Ducks will contend in 2019

By Jake Mitchell

BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks congratulates Cyrus Habibi-Likio #33 after he scored a touchdown against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks congratulates Cyrus Habibi-Likio #33 after he scored a touchdown against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks throws a touchdown pass during the first quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at Autzen Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks throws a touchdown pass during the first quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at Autzen Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

1. Justin Herbert

It was the story of the offseason for the Ducks. When Justin Herbert announced that he would play one more year in Eugene, this team became a title contender.

It’s not unwarranted. Herbert would have likely been the top quarterback taken in the NFL Draft if he had decided to enter, but he felt he had unfinished business. In 2018, Herbert threw for 3,151 yards and 29 touchdowns.

The one hole on this team is the receiving core, but Herbert has already shown an ability to overcome that. He led the team to nine wins and eclipsed the 3,000-yard mark despite receivers dropping 52 balls in 13 games.

He is not fighting an uphill battle this year. There is new blood in the receiving core, including grad transfer Juwan Johnson, and Jaylon Redd will take an increased role. The rushing game is now established.

Next. Top 30 skill position players for 2019 season. dark

It is so vitally important for teams to have an identity. Both offensively and defensively, the Ducks have that trait. Led by Justin Herbert, Oregon is poised to win the Pac-12, and maybe more.

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