2010 College Football Predictions: Oregon Ducks Best-Case Scenario

As I promised you all in my last piece, here is the much more pleasant and enjoyable best-case scenario for the 2010 Oregon Ducks football season.

We all know the supposed problems surrounding the Ducks this season like the quarterback play, the possible holes at the defensive back position and the slew of other quality teams in the Pac-10. But you know what? Oregon is the best of the Pac-10 teams in regards to returning starters, the dominance of the offensive and defensive lines and the stable of running backs that are frothing at the mouth to be released upon the Pac-10.

Another category to add to Oregon’s dominance in may be coaching. Chip Kelly has proven that he is an offensive mastermind that might be able to turn the ho-hum Costa or Thomas into All-Pac-10 team quarterbacks by seasons end. With Kelly at the helm of the offense once again, Oregon should continue to put up massive numbers in the running game and on the scoreboard no matter what team they come up against.

So, what if this is the season that the Ducks finally put it all together and get through the season with no injuries to key players? What if the quarterbacks play better than we all anticipated? What if the Ducks can handle the many tough conference games that are ahead of them? Will Oregon finally defeat USC at the Coliseum?

If the Ducks can make all of these come true, Oregon may have a very, very special season that may end some where other than Pasadena.

Anyways, here we go…

- Nate Costa earns the starting quarterback job.

- Oregon takes on New Mexico in week one and has absolutely no trouble. Oregon simply has too much speed, power, depth, skill, smarts, coaching, yadda, yadda, yadda… Ducks pound their opponent 63-3.

- The Ducks take the show on the road in week two. Tennessee is the opponent and Neyland Stadium is the battleground. Tennessee, their fans and all those in SEC-land believe the Ducks are in a world of hurt as they step onto the field, but the Ducks have other plans. With the reputation of the Pac-10 on their shoulders, the Ducks play inspired and impassioned football from beginning to end. The defense hits the Vols often and hard and wears down there middle-of-the-road offense. The Ducks offense is much too fast for Tennessee and is too much for them to handle. Oregon leaves SEC-land victorious and riding high. 45-14.

- In week three, the Ducks play the little school from the big city. Oregon dominates Portland State like LeBron James versus children (Warning: the music may be a little strong for some). Final score: 55-7.

- Oregon takes on Arizona State in Tempe for game four. Although the Sun Devils are much improved over their performance last season, they still have a lot to do to get near Oregon’s level this season. The Ducks have all the confidence in the world after the 3-0 start and the Sun Devils do little to get their way. Oregon runs away with yet another victory because of their strong defense and impossible to defend ground game. Ducks win 38-17.

- Stanford is next for the Ducks. Oregon finally gets a team that can challenge them offensively as well as defensively. Stanford has gotten even better since their breakout season one year ago and are looking to knock-off the Ducks once again. However, the Ducks do not fear the Cardinal because the half-man, half-bear Toby Gerhart no longer looms in the backfield. Without Gerhart, Stanford cannot run the ball against the Ducks D-line. Luck plays well in his Autzen debut, but cannot keep Stanford in it. Ducks come out victorious 33-17. 

- Washington State and UCLA are the opponents in weeks six and seven. Oregon wallops the Cougars in Pullman and shows no signs of slowing down. UCLA gives it their best in Eugene but don’t have a chance against Oregon. 48-13, 40-20. 

- The Oregon Ducks gain national fame for their stellar play, fan-friendly offense and hard-hitting and lighting fast defense. Their stock skyrockets through the first seven weeks and has them standing at #3 behind only Alabama and Ohio State. What lies in front of the Ducks and a perfect season is very difficult schedule, which will determine whether or not they are contenders for the National Title. 

-The Ducks stroll into the Coliseum looking for their first big time, national spotlight game that they can hang their hats on for the season thus far. The Ducks come out undaunted by their surroundings and by the Trojans themselves. It is evident that all the pre-season polls were correct predicting Oregon to be the Pac-10 favorite as they ride James, Barner and their defensive line to a victory in Southern California. The Ducks fly away with a 33-24 win.

- The Washington Lockers come to Autzen for a game that many are calling a trap for Oregon. The Lockers use their one and only tool, Jake Locker, to make it an interesting game in the first half but Oregon pulls away eventually. The Ducks wear the Lockers’ O-line and D-line down to the point where Oregon is romping around Autzen without any interference. Ducks win 44-28.

- The next two match-ups are much more difficult that any other thus far for the Ducks. Although nobody thought the Cal bears would be much of a problem for Oregon, they fight the Ducks until the bitter end. However, Oregon leans on their defense once again and come out winners at Berkley. Ducks eek out the sloppy win 24-21.

- Arizona heads north to Autzen where they play one hell of a game. Coming into the game Oregon led Arizona by two games for the conference crown. Arizona feels as though they can steal the conference with a win and some good luck down the road. Oregon, feeling too confident, play poorly for three and a half quarters but tie the game with just 1:30 left. Arizona promptly cruises down the field behind their stud QB Nick Foles and get the go-ahead TD with :08 seconds left. With all the memories of the 2009 match-up looming and Oregon needing another miracle, Kenjon Barner takes the ensuing kick-off down the field and into the end-zone. Chip Kelly says “screw it, were going for two!” and forces the offense onto the field for the potential game-winning conversion. Kelly puts the ball into LaMichael James’ hands and James does the rest. Game over, Ducks win 35-34.

- Oregon State has had a difficult season and although it is the Civil War they stand no chance against the Ducks. Oregon is in the hunt for the National Championship and nothing will get in their war now. And with Ohio State falling to Iowa last week, the Ducks have moved into the No. 2 spot in the national polls. Oregon swings through Corvallis and takes the Civil War 38-21.

- Oregon takes on Alabama in the National Championship. The game is evenly matched and Oregon hangs tough with the vaunted Crimson Tide team. With all the media against them, the Oregon Ducks seal the title with an amazing defensive performance against the supposedly superior SEC Champion. Of course, the Ducks running game shines and wears the ‘Bama D-line down. Oregon wins its first Title 35-31.

Obviously, this is the Ducks absolutely best case scenario, which will probably not happen. But you know what? It’s fun to think about this type of season because it may be possible with all the talent that the Oregon Ducks have.