Oregon Ducks Spring Game: The 2009 Season Looks Promising

Following the success of last season, there are a lot of high hopes for 2009 to be a big year for the Oregon Ducks. After watching the spring game, I think 2009 will be a huge success for Oregon football.

Not all of the spring game was good, but there were streaks of greatness. 

The first thing that stood out to me is the amount of talent at receiver. I didn't pay as much attention to the receivers' blocking as I wish I had, but when it comes to the passing game, hold on for some excitement this year. 

Jamere Holland is absurdly fast. He outran anyone and everyone. He caught balls in the middle and beat linebackers to the corners, and he ran deep and had five yards on the defender. 

Aaron Pflugrad and Jeffrey Maehl are quite the complement with their ability to run clean routes and catch the ball. Look for them to contribute heavily with teams focusing on Holland.

On the second-string team, Chris Harper, Lavasier Tuinei, Blake Cantu, and Will Murphy were all big contributors. Harper and Tuinei are both going to see time playing this year, and if Tuinei can bulk up, he will be a major threat. Tuinei showed that he can run after the catch, and I think he will make a big contribution with his size. 

The tight ends are also going to be very dangerous this year. Ed Dickson is again going to be a huge target up the middle, and he showed it.

I can't say enough about how much better the passing game looks this year.

The whole reason that the receivers were seeing so much action is because the O-line was having problems opening any kind of hole for the running game. It didn't help that LeGarrette Blount seemed to be hampered slightly by his foot injury. It could also be that the defense is just that good. I personally think that it is a little of both.

The O-line is struggling with injuries, and that will improve when practice starts in the fall. The running backs will also be healthy come fall. 

On the other side, the defense looked really good. There were some missed assignments, but for the most part, they played really well. I think that you'll see a much better defensive effort this year by the Ducks. Look for some outstanding plays by Casey Matthews and Spencer Paysinger.

I don't know if anyone else noticed, but Kenjon Barner is a running back. The guy was awesome to watch, and he has great vision. To keep him at DB is a big mistake if you ask me. The guy waited for blocks and accelerated through the hole with ease. He showed that natural ability that you just can't teach.

Overall, I was impressed with how the Ducks are playing and especially with the depth of talent at every skilled position.

The O-line is going to be what makes or breaks this season. If the O-line can get it together, then the Ducks have a good chance to take the Pac-10 title and go to the BCS championship game. Yes, I said it—let the hate mail begin.

On a final note, I'm really looking forward to hearing how Nate Costa does in the fall. If anyone is going to push Jeremiah Masoli, it will be him. Justin Roper may be a better passer, but he lacks the running ability that Masoli and Nate have. Of course, Nate has to keep that knee together to do well after last year's shortcomings.