Jeremiah Masoli, Oregon Ducks Have High Expectations Heading into 2009 Season

The Ducks went 10-3 last season in a year most would have considered a rebuilding year. After 2007, the Ducks lost both Johnathan Stewart and Dennis Dixon from a team that was one ACL from potentially winning the National Championship because, let's be honest, no one could stop their offense.

In 2008, the Ducks dealt with injuries at the QB position early in the season and took a while to get themselves going, an unusual fact for Mike Bellotti coached teams.  

But the Ducks finished the season strong, winning their last four games. These included wins over Stanford and Arizona, as well as a thrashing of Oregon State in Corvallis and an inspired performance against a very good Oklahoma State team in the Holiday Bowl.  

Oregon returns Jeremiah Masoli and LeGarrett Blount on offense, while the defense gets back Walter Thurmond III, TJ Ward, and Casey Matthews. The general consensus seems to be that, if the Ducks can sure up their receivers as well as their offensive and defensive lines, they should be able to compete for the conference crown in 2009.  

The schedule is favorable. After an opening game in Boise, home dates with the toughest teams on the schedule, Cal, USC, Arizona State, and Oregon State, follow

Oregon brought in a good recruiting class this winter that addressed some of the concerns surrounding the team heading into spring practice. The Ducks have signed four-star wideouts Diante Jackson and Tyrece Gaines (Gaines is still working on his paperwork) who should bring immediate ability to the position.  

Also, the Ducks received a commitment from a junior college receiver named Lavasier Tuinei who will also come in and contribute immediately.  

The offensive and defensive lines also received three and nine prospects respectively. Junior college defensive end Zac Clark headlines the group of lineman set to fill the shoes of players like first team All-American Nick Reed and Max Unger.

But what can we expect from the Ducks heading towards next season?  It is reasonable to see the Ducks going undefeated in the Pac-10, but it will be no easy task.  They return enough talent to be in the top third of the conference. With all their difficult games in raucous Autzen Stadium, they will be the favorites to win almost all but the USC game.