Could the football season start off any better for the Oregon Ducks?
Coach Mike Bellotti and his squad begin the 2008 campaign with a conference game against the Washington Huskies.
That's right. Perhaps the biggest rival of the Ducks will be visiting the unfriendly confines of Autzen Stadium.
Not only will Oregon begin their season with a win, it will be a Pac-10 win. Nice. Very nice.
How will Oregon defeat Washington?
Building on a solid defensive unit in 2007, the strength of this season's Oregon team should be the defense.
In the secondary, three starters return for their fourth year playing together as a unit. What was a liability years ago is now an asset.
Walter Thurmond and Jairus Byrd will start again at cornerback. They had 12 interceptions between them last year. What makes that stat eye-popping is that everyone knew they were good last year. You try not to throw their way unless you absolutely have to.
- B/R Ticket Guide
And all Patrick Chung did at strong safety last year was lead the team in tackles. Nose for the ball?
The linebacking corps for Oregon is talented and deep. They are led by two of the best in the Pac-10, Jerome Boyd and John Bacon.
Nick Reed and Will Tukuafu anchor a D-line that will get after quarterbacks and stuff the running game.
Oregon isn't all about defense though.
Much is being made of the loss of Dennis Dixon and his ability to run the no-huddle offense. Coach Bellotti has capable players in Justin Roper and Nate Costa. As long as Oregon runs their version of the no-huddle offense, opponents will be kept on their heels.
With all this talk about Oregon, what's up with the Huskies?
In two words, "Not much."
Coach Ty Willingham may be in his final season at the UW. Without a winning record, patience has probably run out with both the university administration and supporters.
Washington quarterback Jack Locker is arguably the most exciting player in the Pac-10. The kid can play football. Locker has a cannon for an arm and not only runs like a deer, he's big enough to run over players.
The only knock on him is that his rocket launcher for an arm isn't very accurate. It's a good thing that Locker can't be rattled because he will probably take more hits than the Google search engine.
The beating he took last year finally knocked him out in Corvallis. This season his beating will begin in Eugene.
As for the Husky defense? They're young.
This is a very young Washington team and has one of the toughest schedules in the country. They are going to be getting a big-time lesson by starting on the road, with a conference game, in front of one of the toughest home crowds in the country, against the dean of coaches in the Pac-10.
Oregon will get their season off to a 1-0 start.
Coach Willingham will begin his farewell tour.
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2 months ago
"The linebacking corps for Oregon is talented and deep. They are lead by two of the best in the Pac-10, Jerome Boyd and John Bacon." I assume you're joking right? CFN ranked the Pac-10's LBs and put UO's at 7th in the Pac-10...Ted Miller of ESPN ranked the top 10 LBs in the Pac-10 and Oregon didn't have one play on it. Boyd is solid though Bacon is coming off an ACL tear and wasn't that good beforehand.
Also, UO has to replace both starting DTs with guys who missed most or all of last year with injury. Their back-ups (especially crucial since the new starters have been injured before) are a RS-Frosh 278 lbs DT and a JC 280 DT. UW is concerned about their DTs and so should UO fans as multiple writers have said the biggest concern on the Duck D is right up the middle (DT/MLB).
You don't get paid for this type of "analysis" right? Ducks will probably win but won't cover the spread for sure.
from 2 months ago
Hey Husky Fan,
If you were to have paid for my "analysis", you'd be demanding a refund, right?
Most of the Husky fans are hoping you're right and I'm wrong. All of us will have to wait until Saturday to find out.
Right or wrong, it's great to have college football back, right?
Let the sniping begin!
Lew
2 months ago
The Ducks will win by at least 20. There is no way Locker can throw into the duck secondary, and Johnson and Blount will run all over the Washington D
UW may get some offense going up the middle, but the Ducks will be stacking the box with 9 guys all season because the corners are good enough to make plays on an island
from 2 months ago
Hey Brett,
Have to agree with your comments about any perceived weakness in the Oregon defensive line. Their secondary may turn out to be the best in the nation by the time November rolls around.
Where we may not see eye to eye is in the talent and ability of Jake Locker. As long as he's on the field, the Ducks will be tested. Locker is going to find a way to move the football on any defense.
Coach Belloti's team doesn't need to win by 20, but you're probably right there, too.
Lew
from 2 months ago
That is true, but Locker should have sucess running since their best d-lineman, Reed, is mainly a pass-rusher.
2 months ago
Sorry, that was a bit harsh (still was having my coffee to wake up from the weekend).
Anyway, I tend to side with Ted Miller, CFN, and what I saw with my own eyes.
Locker threw for 257 yards and 4 TDs against UO's supposedly amazing secondary last year. Now that he's had a year of starting, I imagine he'll post good numbers again but with a better completion percentage. Also, the passing game isn't just to WRs; Locker will find more favorable match-ups throwing the TE, FB, and RBs. If UO puts 9 in the box and leaves the corners on islands, expect Locker to look to the TE in one on one coverage (True frosh 5 star recruit Middleton had a great camp).
Reality is, Washington is much better than last season and UO is worse, which makes for a much closer game. Not saying UW will win, but they'll definitely cover the spread.
from 2 months ago
We are on the same page with Jake Locker. I truly hope he can survive for a full season because the kid is an awesome football player to watch. He won't surprise any defensive coaches this season, that won't deny him his plays.
If the kids Willingham recruited come through for him, you are right about the team being much improved. With so many players getting their first taste of Pac-10 playing time, they will improve as much as the coaches can teach.
UW football has been down for too many years and their fan base deserves better. Just don't know that this is going to be the year that happens.
Thanks for the follow-up comments.
Lew
2 months ago
Wow, A great comedic article to start off the college football season.
First off... Lew, come on, Locker is not going to get knocked around as much as you think. The hit Locker took in the OSU game was on a run. UW's O line is going to be one of the best in the conference this year, especially with Juan Garcia making it back from injury. If the Huskies have a strength, that's it.
Locker was in his freshman year last year, so even a WSU fan has to think the accurracy will improve in his second year as a starter.
The Huskies played games tougher than people who didn't watch them thought last year. Played SC tough, and had OSU on the ropes when the refs took that touchdown away from UW. As you know, things in college football change year to year. With a new defensive coach, and a killer recruiting class (many slated to start) We may not make it to a bowl, but will play games tougher than people expect.
With oregons massive questions at QB, if Locker get a couple early points, or there is a turnover for points. Don't be surprised if the score doesn't match what you saw in your Coug fantasy.
from 2 months ago
Hey Joe,
In case you missed it, I'm a big fan of Locker. Anyone who lives for college football should appreciate what a rare talent he is.
To be honest, hope that the young kids getting to play this year do Coach Willingham and Husky fans proud. Perhaps you're right about the O-line, but I don't see it. And like the Cougs, the Huskies have a big question mark at the running back position.
If nothing else, glad you found humor in my "analysis". You won't be the only one to find my take laughable.
Lew
from 2 months ago
OSU on the ropes?
The ref's were handed UW the game on a silver platter, and they still counldn't do anything.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O1QGjGFYlg
2 months ago
I think UW, UO, and Cal are the top 3 OLs going into the season. We'll see who ends up having the best at the end. Arizona and OSU have good lines too (Arizona not so much at run blocking and OSU has a big whole at RT and new center). Stanford's should be pretty good and USC should be good on talent/recruiting stars alone despite 4 new starters.
from 2 months ago
Cal has so many outstanding linebackers, they've been experimenting with a 3-4 defense for this season. Not likely they'll run much of that scheme though. Even the "bad" offensive lines in the Pac-10 thrive when facing a 3-4 consistently.
Lew
2 months ago
Costa is out, how do you think that will effect the game?
from 2 months ago
Hey Nick,
Roper might just be the guy anyway, though it would have been a great opportunity for Costa. I read that Costa was doubtful at best, but still believe Oregon will defend their house in a very strong way.
Lew
2 months ago
Nick,
I didn't say that UW should have won the game against OSU (Ohio state, not oregon state), but it should have been closer. The refs stole a touchdown from the Huskies on the turnover near the endzone, then OSU went down and scored. A huge turnaround. OSU would have won the game anyway, because they had more talent, and they wore the lousy Husky Defense down in the end. My point was that they played the team in the national title game closer than most people including me expected. Now with an infusion of talent, and a very good NFL defensive coordinator. The Huskies should take another step towrds being respectable. Not a contender, but respectable. I hope!
Lew,
The Husky O line was solid last year, and return a bunch. At RB it looks as if Polk (USC De-commit) is wowing in practice after enrolling early and going through spring ball. Your right that it's still a question, but that's the great thing about college ball. New stars have a way of coming out of nowhere. And we all know that as in college, and the pros RB is a position that young guys can have a big impact. Less about technique, then it is about talent and instinct. Also look out for TE Kavario Middelton...looks like even the coaches are impressed with what he can do. Soft hands, huge target. We'll see on Saturday. And yes your very funny...Your attention grabbing headline stirred my college football passion which has been simmering, but now at a full boil. Thanks
from 2 months ago
Haha, lost in translation.
I was speaking of the Oregon State game.
You are right about the Buckeye game though.
from 2 months ago
Hey Joe,
Got a question for ya'. Is it Saturday yet?
Great comments and you're right about Middleton.
Lew
2 months ago
This game is going to be a lot closer than you think.
from 2 months ago
Hey John,
That might be the case, but you have to concede that opening with Oregon at Autzen Stadium is tough. Then again, that's been the case with the UW schedule the past couple of seasons, hasn't it? The folks in Eugene love their Ducks.
You think the O-line is going to protect Locker enough for him to do his thing?
Lew
2 months ago
Lew,
This will be the longest week of the year waiting for this game. I just poured over the depth chart for the Huskies, so I know I'm in deep now!
To chip in on your question to John. Our schedule is ridiculous. Open at Oregon, then non conference against #17 BYU, then #4 Oklahoma, then then Stanford, later against Notre Dame (If I could choose one to win it would be against the Domers. I have deep "Sports" hate for that school.) The Stanford game should be, but not a guaranteed W, as SC knows. If we can knock off one of the others in an upset, 2-2 would be more than respectable. If not, then Willingham should start getting quotes on his house. Next year we open with LSU. What happened to San Jose state, or maybe a Dll team like SEC teams play every year. Ridiculous!
The O line should hold off the Ducks pretty well. (scored 34 last year) This is the only place where we have a ton of experience. Almost everyone returned. 6 players started in at least three games last year, and 4 who started 10 or more. No true freshmen cracked the two deeps, and only one RFr. 6-5 294 Skylar Fancher. They also got a Jr. transfer from Drake who cracked the lineup. Big kid named Nick Scott (6'4" 337) Started as a sophmore and impressed in camp.
You should see right off the bat how UW will handle this season with Locker, especially after the hamstring. They want him to start deferring to some of the help they got him (Middelton, Polk) and not running as much. If the O line holds and Jakes comp % improves then the Dawgs are off and running. If not, then Uh OH....I'm hiding a bottle of scotch in my car just in case. Joe
from 2 months ago
Hey Joe,
First and foremost, there's the possibility that your scotch might be cracked open to raise a celebratory toast, "I told you so!" Anything can happen, include a win on the road in Eugene.
The point you raised that seems a bit unlikely is Locker deferring the load. Don't think it's in his nature or attitude to defer to anyone unless it's going to help win the game. He's a competitor first. What the coaching staff wants and what a sophomore kid with skills will do may remain apart for at least a few games.
Lew
2 months ago
Washington has a very good offensive line so protecting Locker and opening up holes for the running backs won't be a problem. Washington can score on Oregon, no doubt about it. the big question is if the Husky defense has improved enough to stop an Oregon offense without Stewart, and Dixon in the lineup.
2 months ago
It will come down to whether Washington can make the stops or not. If Washington's D can make some stops, it will still be high scoring and something like 37 - 31 Dawgs. Otherwise the Ducks will win this game by 10. It's the first game of the season and a lot of changes on both squads, so no one can really say how good the Dawgs D will be or the Ducks offense yet. Locker is the best athlete on the field and if some of the new kids can step up and support him this could be a very exciting offensive team. They'll need to keep their D off the field and this squad looks like they can do that.
Either way guys, it's great to be talking football again.
from 2 months ago
Hey RyeDawg,
You hit the nail on the head by mentioning that both teams have undergone some changes. The most notable for either team is the loss of Dixon and Stewart for the Ducks. The best anyone can do at this point is just talk football! Not much else to base opinions on.
I'm with you on the score. Both teams are going to put points up on the scoreboard. If the Dawgs put up 37 points on the Oregon defense...in Eugene...they should build on that for a seven win season. Sorry, just don't see that happening though.
6pm PST
ESPN2
I'm so there!
Lew
2 months ago
Lew,
Actually I believe the game is FSN at 7pm PST.
from 2 months ago
Hey Joe,
Thanks for correcting my big-time error. Had the Stanford/OSU game on my mind. Glad you caught the mistake and got it right.
Lew
2 months ago
Even though I'm a die hard Duck fan and live in the Seattle area; I don't let my passion for the Ducks go to my head. I'm very realistic when it comes to predicting football, as I have a great gut feeling for games.
Here's what I think about the game this Saturday (I'll be there)..Last year the game was tied in the 4th qtr....Oregon won based on a great finish..That was the Huskies achilles heel last year...They played close in some big games against some big time opponents, but couldn't finish...
I think this weeks game will come down to depth..No doubt Locker will do his magic and get his yds and points..but in the end playing at Autzen and with Oregon's depth..the Ducks will squeak it out..I see a very close game..maybe Oregon by 5
Thank God Locker doesn't play on defense
from 2 months ago
Hey Dux,
Don't even mention the possibility of Locker on defense. Coach Willingham doesn't need any grand ideas!
Agree with you that the game will be close, but only through three quarters. I like your Ducks by more than a touchdown. Regardless of predictions, it's great to have football back, isn't it?
Lew
2 months ago
Good back and forth all the way....I wouldn't be surprised by a husky win. I find amusing any discussion about a tremendous secondary when talking about the Ducks. The huskies put up big time numbers against that defense last year. I also think that when you talk about Jake Locker, you are talking about a Heisman candidate for years to come. When you have that talented of an individual leading your team, you don't miss bowl games for very long. I think this special quarterback will take us bowling this year, and lead off the season where he left off against the UO last year and bring a victory to the Dawgs in Eugene. You can't stop greatness(especially with a whole year under his belt) and Locker is Dixon + Harrington x 10. Roper is just so-so.
2 months ago
last time i checked you needed 22 players to field a team minus locker is not even close,every unit on the ducks is better! i still think it will be a good game, ducks pull out a close one late!
from 2 months ago
Hey Jeff,
You're absolutely right about football being a team sport. The deal with Locker is that if he's in the game, the other 21 players will be just a bit better. He'll fire up the Dawg defense and be the focus of the opponent's defensive scheme.
Lew
2 months ago
I really wish Oregon has OSU's (Ohio State) cream puff non-conference schedule right about now? With the ?s at QB, DT and LB I would really like to play a Younstown State instead the biggest rival the Ducks have for an openner. The Dawgs and Locker scare me, no joke! I give them 6 wins this season even with the toughest schedule in the country.
31 - 28 Ducks, late becuse of the run.
GO DUCKS!
from 2 months ago
Hey Correy,
I feel your pain with the schedule. What chowder-head came up with the brilliant plan to match Oregon and Washington the first game? Perhaps the schedule officials should be tested for drugs, eh?
Like your prediction of the score. That sounds about right. Instead of the running game, my nod goes to the awesome fans that create bedlam for visiting teams to Autzen Stadium, one of the toughest places to play on the road in the country.
Lew
2 months ago
Although it's certainly tougher on the teams, I think it's good for the Pac10 to have some marquis matchups for opening weekend. You can't deny we're giving the rest of the country a pretty good show... Heck, I'm even rooting for Ucla against Tennessee!
JJ
from 2 months ago
Hey JJ,
You're absolutely right my friend. All college football fans across the country will be treated to at least a couple of excellent matchups thanks to Pac-10 schedulers.
Rooting for UCLA is just fine, but don't expect too much. It's probably going to be a very long year for Bruin fans.
About 20 hours to go...and counting....
Dang. Isn't that clock even ticking?
Lew
2 months ago
Why is Oregon so optimistic this year, you have no experience at QB and that is what you need to win the pac 10. There is no way Udub walks away from this game with a W, but its possible they give the HOUSE OF LOUD...LOL a scare
from 2 months ago
Hey Mitch,
Great point about Pac-10 champs almost always get it done with experience under center. There usually isn't much that separates teams in the conference. One of the significant edges is always experience and the ability to adapt on the fly. Oregon doesn't have that. UW does, but that's the only area I would give them an edge in.
Speaking of experience, hope that the Sun Devil offensive line does a better job protecting Carpenter this season. Can't believe the beating he took last season and yet still kept coming back for more. The dude deserves better.
Lew
2 months ago
Why is Oregon so optimistic this year, you have no experience at QB and that is what you need to win the pac 10. There is no way Udub walks away from this game with a W, but its possible they give the HOUSE OF LOUD...LOL a scare
2 months ago
It is true....Football is rarely a one-man show. But RARE means that it sometimes happens. See Vince Young vs. USC in the Nat. Championship Game. Jake Locker is that RARE player. He will go down as the best QB in UW history which is saying a whole heckuva lot. I see Jake Locker putting this team on his back and leading us to a bowl game this year and a whole lot more next year. Take the Huskies 37-30 in Eugene.....only 45 hours til gametime!!!!!! It will be very amusing to watch defenses try to stop Jake.
from 2 months ago
Locker has a way to go before he's comparable to Vince Young. Jake might make it, but he isn't there yet.
The only way the Huskies can make it to a bowl this year is if Locker's shoulders are big enough to carry the entire team.
Last I looked, if you take the Dawgs, you get some points in the deal. Enough to make it look like a pretty good bet.
Lew
2 months ago
I hope Ty has a great year...he's a class act and I like him a lot. No Nate Costa is a bummer for the Ducks...but I know that you wrote this before the injury. Do you have any changes of heart about the Ducks? I think they may be in trouble w/o him.
from 2 months ago
Losing Costa hurt, but people seem to forget that Roper was the Sun Bowl MVP last year, throwing 4 TDs against South Florida
from 2 months ago
Hey Lisa,
Roper gets a break by opening up at home against the Husky defense. Given that, my only concern is what will happen when he goes down. He probably will. The kid reminds me of Brady Leaf, who had plenty of trouble with Coach Belloti's spread. Coach B best have a "player" in the wings or they are looking more like a six or seven win team.
Funny thing about Coach Willingham. Players love playing for him. Big money supporters and the media don't feel the same love. Don't remember him ever saying or doing anything off the field that reflected poorly on Stanford, Notre Dame or Washington. Yep. Have to agree with you. My impression of him is that the win/loss record isn't as important as the development of his players on and off the field. When his kids are progressing, Ty is probably having a great year.
Dang it's great to have a college football back. Couldn't say that either of the ESPN games were great. Still had me glued to the big screen.
Lew
2 months ago
While it's sad for Nate Costa to have yet another injury, I'm a little puzzled by folks' changing their opinion of the Ducks overall because of it. All accounts I've heard were that Roper had the edge on the starting job, and he's the guy with more real-game experience too.
Lew: PLEASE don't give Roper the "Leaf" tag! The kid had a great Sun Bowl as a freshman, in his first career start and only his second college game appearance. Call him inexperienced (certainly), but until he's failed to perform when needed, you can't really label him as someone who's having trouble handling the job.
JJ
from 2 months ago
Hey JJ,
Sorry I wasn't clear about Roper. He's his own man. Didn't intend to tag him as another Brady Leaf, rather simply point out the obviously physical similarities. Roper will never be described as fleet.
Another player he reminds me a little of is Carpenter at ASU. If Roper can absorb hits the way Carpenter has, the kid has plenty of tools to lead an offense that will shred defenses.
As for Costa, does anyone dispute the kid is a player? Losing someone of that caliber sure doesn't help strengthen a team. That's the point trying to be made JJ.
Thanks for straightening me out.
Lew
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