Oregon Football: 4 Burning Issues That Will Be Solved Early This Season

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

Now that fall camp is under way, the Ducks are beginning to prepare for the 2012 season. Last year, the Ducks defended their conference title and won their third straight and are hoping that this year will mark their fourth straight conference title.

As the season draws closer and closer, the Arkansas State game draws into focus. While the Ducks may not be kicking off the season with a premier team like LSU, they enter this season with some questions that still need answering. 

With some time still remaining between the opening kick, here is a look at four issues that will be solved early on in the season.

Joe Penkala is a B/R National Featured Columnist who covers college football. You can contact him @joepenkala. 

Josh Huff as the No. 1 Receiver

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Last season Josh Huff toughed it out throughout the entire year after suffering a leg injury during spring practice. This year, Huff appears to be healthy and is heading into his junior season.

With the Ducks in need of some big-play abilities out of their wide receivers, Huff is going to be relied on this season as much of the other receivers are young and unproven.

If Huff can return to his form from 2010, the Ducks will be in great shape and it shouldn't take long to see if that will be the case in 2012. 

Their Defense Is the Best in the Pac-12

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While the Ducks have been getting better and better on defense, many expect that they will have a breakout season and have one of the most dominate defenses in the conference. 

This year the Ducks have a strong front seven and the key will be their secondary. If the secondary can grow from last year's experience, the Ducks should have no issues locking down teams around the Pac-12. 

Dion Jordan as a Premier Defensive End

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If the Oregon defense gets off to a fast start, it may be because of the rush ability of Dion Jordan. Last year, the Ducks defensive end became one of the conferences best pass rushers and is coming into the 2012 season with high hopes.

Many believe that Jordan is a first- or second-round prospect in the NFL draft and if he hopes to deliver on those expectations, Jordan must get off to a fast start and begin to pile up the sacks. 

The Starting Quarterback

Jim Z. Rider-US PRESSWIRE

Chip Kelly is not the kind of coach that will flip-flop between quarterbacks and anytime there has been a choice to be made at quarterback, Kelly selects a player and sticks with him.

This year, the Oregon head man has to choose between Bryan Bennett, who got some experience during the 2011 season, and Marcus Mariota, who has yet to see on the field action but surprised a lot of people during this years spring game. 

Much like in past seasons, Kelly will announce a starting quarterback during the first week of the season and most likely will never turn back.