Oregon Football: Roundtable Discussion II

Chris Finocchio, Content Director here at Bleacher Report, has asked me to participate in an Oregon Roundtable discussion. He poses the following questions:

•The Oregon pass defense was ranked 86th in the country last year. With Patrick Chung, Walter Thurmond and Jairus Byrd returning and Nick Reed rushing off the edge, is this going to be enough to contain the wide-open offenses of the Pac-10?

Answer: That type of ranking may be a little skewed considering many teams were playing catch-up with Oregon last year.

The Oregon pass defense should be improved with a more experienced squad. While many are having their doubts about this secondary, I expect them to be one of the best in the Pac-10 this year.

Patrick Chung and Walter Thurmond III finished one-two last season in tackles. Thurmond also led the team with five interceptions and 18 pass breakups.

•What do you guys think about quarterback Justin Roper's ability to lead this Ducks team after coming off a six-TD, two-interception freshmen year?

Answer: Unfortunately, Roper was thrown into action after Dennis Dixon and backup Brady Leaf went down with injuries. He was clearly rattled in the beginning, but showed some poise during the bowl game.

That said, I don't see him as the one to lead the team this year. That task should fall to Nate Costa. Costa, still recovering from his knee injury, only participated in non-contact drills during the spring.

At 6'1" Costa is not as tall as the 6'6" Roper. But he is about 15 pounds heavier and can withstand more hits. Costa is also a more polished player and sees the field really well.

•Is Andre Crenshaw going to be able to carry the load and keep Oregon's potent rushing attack among the Pac-10's best?

Answer: While Crenshaw is a good running back, he will not be the player asked to carry the running load. This task will go to Jeremiah Johnson. Like Costa, Johnson also suffered a season-ending injury last year.

Johnson averaged 6.4 yards per carry last season and racked up 448 total yards and six TDs through six games.

I believe JC transfer LeGarrette Blount will carry the ball quite a bit as well. Blount shined during the spring game.

While at East Mississippi Community College he rushed for 2,360 yards in two years. Rivals.com named him the top-rated junior college running back.

Crenshaw and Blount will split backup duties, and together all three backs will make one of the most formidable backfields in the Pac-10—and possibly the nation.

•Thoughts on the 2008 Schedule?

Answer: The Pac-10 has a lot of parity and has for many years. Because of that parity many think the Pac-10 is weak. But they do well in out-of-conference play and in bowl games, proving otherwise.

With that said, Oregon has a tough schedule this year. They will play Washington St., USC, Arizona St., Cal, and Oregon St. on the road.

If Oregon can manage at least three or four of those road victories, and finish undefeated at home, they will be in good shape for a top three finish in the Pac-10.

•Are BCS aspirations realistic?

Answer: I'm not going to throw out any BCS aspirations, but it will not be easy for the Ducks to get there. As I mentioned, the Ducks will play some of their toughest opponents on the road this season.

In my opinion the key will be the play of the QB. Projected starter Costa has to perform at the level he is expected to and do so consistently.

•With Chip Kelly's success as offensive coordinator, is defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti under pressure to perform now?

Answer: Chip Kelly has definitely had some success at Oregon. But I don't think it adds to the pressure for Nick Aliotti. In reality, Aliotti has been under pressure to perform for several years considering the Oregon defense has had some struggles.

In fact, Aliotti's success may actually lessen the pressure ever so slightly. This is due to the offense's scoring ability and opponents constantly playing catch-up.

Last year the D played well (not great, but well), and this year they will be even more improved. They will be the rock for this Oregon team this year.

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