Dear College Football Nation, Oregon Is Your Next Powerhouse Program

The reality of today makes it easy to assume the facts of tomorrow.

Looking into a crystal ball, the next decade of Oregon football looks to be very exciting, competitive, and enjoyable. We all know things can change, but the transformation of college football on the west coast over the past few months tends to lean things in Oregon's favor.  

The Oregon athletic department and marketing team can look back at their past decade of hard work, and see a program that today is recognized and respected around the country.  

Here are a few reasons why Oregon will consistently be considered one of the top programs in the nation for the next decade. 

National Recruiting

As the 2011 recruiting class begins to take shape, the odds of another highly recruited group to sign with Oregon are great. I recently wrote an article titled "A Downside to Oregon Recruiting Nationally? " in which I questioned whether the program was getting away from their foundation of recent success. Regardless of these doubts, Chip Kelly and company are doing an excellent job enticing elite national prospects to attend a university thousands of miles away.

The coaching staff has brought in system athletes with an emphasis on speed, explosive abilities, and the potential to develop as players. When Oregon lands a player from Texas or Florida, they are marketing a national brand, and beginning laying the recruiting pipelines that will continue to flourish for the next decade. Don't expect a sudden dip in regards to the influx of talent coming to Eugene anytime soon.

A Growing Fan Base

As any Oregonian will testify, fan loyalty was invisible until Oregon began to continually win early in the millennium. Oregon fans and alums are finally proud to represent the Oregon "O" all around the world. A growing fan base raises expectations for success, markets a program for free, and demands national attention from recruits, the media and other prestigious programs.  

Children usually follow the loyalties of their parents, and it is safe to say Oregon fans are everywhere. Oregon football followers are becoming more knowledgeable to recruiting, players, and the schemes of the game. Autzen Stadium has been a sold out show for over ten years, and don't expect any empty seats in the near future.

The Facilities of the Program

Often only seen and used by the players and coaches, the athletic facilities at the University of Oregon is on par with any other in the country. The construction of new football offices near Autzen Stadium has already scheduled. The new Jacqua Athletic Learning Center is an architectural marvel just off Franklin Boulevard. The Oregon locker room is self-proclaimed as the best in the nation. The Moshofosky center is a great resource for game-day's and practice.  

The atmosphere at Autzen Stadium is commonly regarded as one of the loudest, and most obnoxious in the country. With growing consumer demand, it wouldn't be absurd to see the athletic department remodel the north side of Autzen Stadium in the near future. Oregon has set a standard for clean, impressive, and modern facilities. With a great donor in their back pocket (thanks Uncle Phil), the sky is the limit in terms of what the football program will do next to please their players, coaches, and fans. 

The Coaching Staff

In perceived confidence, is their any other job Chip Kelly would take? Entering his second year, Kelly has elevated the expectations of the program. In contrast to former coach Mike Bellotti, the new coach is demanding, full of energy, and brings a confidence that has been assumed by the program.  

Kelly runs an offensive system that is very attractive to elite athletic skill position players. Defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti has seen the complete transformation of the program and it can't be disputed that the talent level on defense continues to improve. Secondary coach John Neal has built a reputation of developing his players into NFL prospects. The offensive line hasn't been a team weakness in over a decade, and that credit should be given to Steve Greatwood. If the university can hold onto Chip Kelly and the majority of his staff, the stability of leadership will pay off. 

Oregon's Offensive Scheme

What talented offensive player doesn't want to gain loads of yardage and score tons of points? Unless college defenses can adjust their schemes to handle Kelly's offense, the seasons of Oregon averaging over 35 points per game will not stop. Recent history proves that Oregon running backs are nearly guaranteed to gain 1,000 yards each season.  

The offensive line must be quick on their feet and able to adjust directions in a moments notice. Wearing down defenses with speed, quick play-calling, and talent, the Oregon offense will not be running stagnant in the near future. 

The Pac-12

The additions of Colorado and Utah will not be a threat to Oregon's success anytime soon. The Ducks gained increased media coverage in two large markets (Denver, and Salt Lake City) , and will build on an already strong recruiting presence in the region.

The Pac-12 will have two divisions of six teams, and a conference title game. During many seasons, it won't be uncommon for two teams to accept bids to a BCS game. The Ducks will benefit from several ways to back-door themselves into a BCS game.

Placed in a division with Washington, Washington State, Oregon State, California, and Stanford, the Ducks will often benefit from not playing the Los Angeles schools. The construction of the Pac-12 will benefit the program immensely over the next decade. 

The Insignificance of the Los Angeles Universities

What a great time for USC to be placed on probation. Other then Oregon and the Trojans, many could consider the rest of the conference to be just above mediocre teams. History has shown it is hard for programs to rebound from NCAA probation. Auburn, and Alabama both took years to recover, and Southern Methodist never has.

In soon time, Rick Neuheisel will find himself very close to the coaching hot seat. With an abundance of talent, the Bruins have never shown a consistency for retaining coaches and winning games.  The fertile recruiting bed that is the Los Angeles area, has never been this open for the taking.  

Program Prestige & Ducks in the NFL

Like stated before, their has never been a more glorious time for Oregon football in terms of publicity and recognition around the country. The amount of former Oregon players in the NFL continues to grow. Many of these former Ducks are recognized NFL names such as Haloti Ngata, Jairus Byrd, and Jonathan Stewart.

Program prestige is based on a programs history of success, producing NFL prospects, and continuing to expand their fan base. It has took a long-time for Oregon football to reach this point, and now a community of Duck fans will reap the rewards for the next decade.