Oregon Football: 5 Way-Too-Early Predictions for the Ducks' 2012 Season

With spring practice just kicking off today, the Oregon fans will be in the dark until the spring game kicks off because Oregon and Chip Kelly will be running private practices. 

As the first practice has come to an end, fans are already dreaming of what could come in the 2012 season.

So far under Chip Kelly, the Ducks have won three consecutive conference titles, gone to a national title game and been to two Rose Bowls, one of which they won.

Before the spring practice is even played, here are five way-too-early predictions for what fans will see during the fall season. 

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

Bryan Bennett Wins the Starting Job

While many people believe the starting quarterback job is a wide-open race, I believe this is truly Bryan Bennett's job to lose. 

During the 2011 season, Bennett showed the poise and skill to handle many situations, such as coming in during the middle of a big conference game or even starting a conference game on the road. 

Unless Bennett takes a step back during the offseason, I believe he will be taking the Ducks out onto the field against New Mexico. 

De'Anthony Thomas Rushes for More Yards Than Kenjon Barner

Chip Kelly is a master of putting his most talented players in the wide-open spaces on the field. With LaMichael James gone, the belief is that the load will be placed on Kenjon Barner. 

My belief is that, while Barner will get the majority of the carries, De'Anthony Thomas will be put in some great positions to pile up the yards and will ultimately lead the Ducks in rushing yards during the 2012 season. 

Oregon Will Lose to USC

When Oregon and USC meet up in their regular-season meeting, both teams should have an outstanding chance to be undefeated and be ranked in the Top Five nationally. 

As the Ducks head on the road, whoever is the starting quarterback will have not faced a game of this magnitude, and it will be a struggle for him. Needing to match Matt Barkley and the USC offense, look for the Ducks to drop their first game of the year in Southern California. 

The Kicking Game Wins a Game

Last year, the inconsistency of Alejandro Maldonado ended up costing the Ducks in their game against the USC Trojans. While many point to the clock management issues, the fact is the Ducks did not have faith that Maldonado could deliver on long field goals. 

This year, Maldonado will have the experience under his belt to deliver on longer kicks and higher-pressure kicks. And with a new faith in the kicking game, look for it to deliver a win for the Ducks during the 2012 season. 

Oregon Heads Back to USC and Wins Their 4th Conference Title

One thing about Chip Kelly is his teams seem to get stronger and stronger as the season goes on. While under Kelly, the Ducks have seen unprecedented success and seem to have learned from their on-the-field mistakes.

According to these predictions, Kelly and the Ducks will have headed to Southern California earlier in the year and suffered their first loss. With both teams in great position to win their division, the two should meet back at USC for the Pac-12 title game.

The idea of Kelly and the Ducks losing to the same team twice in a matter of a month seems unlikely, so look for Oregon to capitalize on the rematch and win its fourth consecutive conference title.