Oregon Football: Roundtable Discusion III

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

Q: The Oregon pass defense was ranked 86 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?

A: I think that with Patrick Chung and Walter Thurmond, the Duck's defense will have more than enough strength to contain opposing offenses. Jairus Byrd is good enough to shore up his side, and Nick Reed was the Pac-10's sack leader last year. With Jerome Boyd or Casey Matthews as linebacker, I think our linebacker core will be solid as well. Also, if heralded 5-star recruit JC Justin Thompson performs up to his talent, the center of the D-line will be strong as well.

Q: What do you guys think about Quarterback Justin Roper's ability to lead this Ducks team after coming off a 6TD 2 interception freshmen year?

A: I don't think he is the answer for the Ducks. He was only mediocre in the Civil War loss; he threw two interception and two touchdowns. In the blowout win against South Florida in the Sun Bowl, Roper was limited to passing in short yardage situations, never really going for the long ball. He just sat back and watched Jonathan Stewart and Andre Crenshaw tear is up. They had 253 and 52 yards respectively. I don't think Nate Costa has what it takes to take over, his ACL injury last fall is strangely reminiscent of Dennis Dixon's; only it was worse. It doesn't stop there, either. In his senior year of High School, he tore the same ACL. That's two ACL injuries in three years. I don't think Belloti will take the chance of repeating last year's disaster. I think the answer to the quarterback controversy is true freshman Chris Harper. He has the strength of a running back, the speed of a receiver, and the arm of a great quarterback.

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

A: I think that Andre Crenshaw will not be needed as much as last year. He will again enter the season as the third string running back. Jeremiah Johnson, who was injured in week six last year, is probably the Duck's best returning offensive skill player. Also, top JC recruit LeGarrette Blount will look to make an immediate impact; he has the size and power needed to complement Jeremiah Johnson's speed. Andre Crenshaw will contribute again this year, but will not be asked to carry the offense.

Q: Thoughts on the 2008 Schedule?

A: With games against perennial Pac-10 powers like USC and UCLA, as well as a game against Purdue, the Duck's schedule is very difficult. They have to play the LA schools every year, and Purdue is not a team like Michigan, so I don't see it being to much of a problem.

Q: Are BCS aspirations realistic?

A: I don't know. Without Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart, the Ducks will need to produce stars at the two most important offensive positions. Chris Harper, or possible top JC recruit Jeremiah Masoli will step in and produce at the quarterback position; Jeremiah Johnson and Blount should be able to carry the running load. Last year the Ducks blew out their opponents, but you don't have to blow out teams to be championship caliber. If the Ducks win each game by 10 points instead of 50, they'll be in good shape for the BCS. Also, their defense looks to improve drastically.

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

A: I think he is under pressure, and I think he will come through. As I said before, this defense looks to be the Duck's best in years.