Oregon Football: Game-by-game prediction for 2020 season
By Nick Fiore
Oregon football has an elite defense, weapons on offense and a great coaching staff. This all gives reason to believe we’re in for a special season from the Ducks.
Oregon was an upset loss away from having a real shot at making the College Football Playoff in 2019. This year, I think they right that wrong and run the table and become the first Pac-12 team to make the playoff since Washington in 2016.
The Ducks will have an elite defense with a lot of star power. The No. 2 ranked overall prospect from 2019 Kayvon Thibodeux will be in a starting role and should dominate off the edge. The secondary is full of playmakers led by Thomas Graham Jr. and Jevon Holland.
Regardless of how the offense plays, this defense will keep the Ducks in the majority of games.
Tyler Shough will be under center looking to fill the void of Justin Herbert. Shough looked good in his very limited action last year. He’ll have plenty of weapons on offense with leading returning rusher CJ Verdall and leading returning receivers Johnny Johnson III and Jaylon Redd all back.
With top tackle in the country Penei Sewwell opting out, the offensive line could be an issue. Mario Cristobal has done a great job recruiting and developing lineman over the years, and I expect that trend to continue this year.
Oregon is clearly one of the top two most talented teams in the conference. The only other team that can give the Ducks a run is USC, which they won’t see until the conference title game in this abbreviated conference only schedule.
Here’s how I think the Ducks’ 2020 season plays out.