College Football: Oregon Ducks 2010 Schedule Preview

With the college football season less then three weeks away, it is time to take a look at the Oregon Ducks schedule and see if they can find a way to repeat as Pac-10 Champions.

Week One vs. New Mexico

To open the season, the Ducks host the New Mexico Lobos. While this seems to be an easy opener for the Ducks, they will face two questions. First, how will the offense run without running back LaMichael James, who will be serving his full game suspension. Secondly, the Ducks will have named a starting quarterback by this point, so all eyes will be on that position and people will be ready to second guess coach Chip Kelly.

Last years result: Did not play

This years prediction: Oregon 41-10

Week Two at Tennessee

It wont take long for the season to heat up for the Ducks as they find themselves on the road at Tennessee in the second week of the season. I view this as a make or break game for the Ducks. If the Ducks can head on the road into SEC country and pull out a victory, it could set the tone for the 2010 season.

Last years result: Did not play

This years prediction: Oregon 27-23

Week Three vs. Portland State

No offense to the players and fans of Portland State, but this will be much like a scrimmage for the Oregon Ducks. Portland is truly outmatched in this game and the Ducks will either be looking to keep the momentum going from the Tennessee game or fix what may have gone wrong in Knoxville.

Last years result: Did not play

This years prediction: Oregon 52-6

Week Four at Arizona State

The Ducks head back out onto the road to take on Arizona State. The Ducks offense has had much success against the Sun Devils and they continue to roll against them this year. While ASU may keep it close for a half, the Ducks break this one wide open in the second half.

Last years result: 44-21

This years prediction: Oregon 37-17

Week Five vs. Stanford

After an emotional victory over USC last year, Oregon headed on the road to play Stanford and were ran over by Andrew Luck and company. This year, Stanford head to Autzen Stadium and will not catch Oregon off guard. With two teams being so evenly matched, the difference comes down to homefield as the Ducks win on a late score.

Last years result: 42-51

This years prediction: Oregon 45-41

Week Six at Washington State

Its been a rough stretch of time for Washington State and Oregon continues to take advantage of them as this game is never close. With the speed and talent Oregon has on both sides of the ball, the Ducks are able to just overwhelm the Cougars.

Last years result: 52-6

This years prediction: Oregon 55-13

Week Seven vs. UCLA

I am sure that many Duck fans already have a W chalked up for this game but the one variable for this one is it will be a Thursday night national broadcast on ESPN. If coach Kelly can keep his team focused this should be a cakewalk for the Ducks but that is a big "if."

Last years result: 24-10

This years prediction: Oregon 27-13

Week Eight at USC

Going to Southern Cal will be the toughest test of the year for the Ducks. After sending home USC with a 27 point loss last year, you can be sure the Trojans have this game circled on their calenders. I believe these teams will go back and forth but in the end, Oregon has the ball last and puts a field goal through for the win.

Last years result: 47-20

This years prediction: Oregon 31-28

Week Nine vs. Washington

While most of the nation is buying the Jake Locker and Washington hype, I am not. Washington continues to be a team that has a good QB but not much talent around him. After a convincing win on the road last year, the Ducks have their rival Huskies at home this year and send Locker out 0-4 against the Ducks.

Last years result: 43-19

This years prediction: Oregon 47-23

Week Ten at California

Last years game caught everyone off guard. After a sluggish start to the season for the Ducks, they unleashed an offensive onslaught and put up 42 on Cal. This year, the Ducks find themselves on the road and have had trouble winning at Berkley. At the end of the day, I believe the Oregon running game is too strong and ends up being the difference in a close game.

Last years result: 42-3

This years prediction: Oregon 34-27

Week Eleven vs. Arizona

Oregon versus Arizona was one of the most thrilling games of the college football season last year. Oregon found a way to score a touchdown with seconds remaining and continued to score in overtime. This year, the Ducks defense is what gets the job done as they hold Arizona out of field goal range on their final drive.

Last years result: 44-41 2OT

This years prediction: Oregon 38-35

Week Twelve at Oregon State

For the past two years, Oregon has kept the Beavers out of the Rose Bowl. Entering this years game, Oregon has the Pac-10 championship wrapped up and are in the running for a BCS Championship. With little to play for, Oregon State and the Rogers brothers stun the Ducks and defend their home field, winning on a late interception.

Last years result: 37-33

This years prediction: Oregon State 34-30

Season Recap

In my opinion, this season will come down to the quarterback play of the Oregon Ducks. Whether its Darron Thomas or Nate Costa, if the Ducks can get consistent play from this position they will not only find themselves in the driver seat for the Pac-10 crown but will also be in the national championship picture.

I am assuming the Ducks will get solid play from their quarterback and will go 11-1 and 8-1 in conference play, earning them their second straight Pac-10 championship and a rematch against Ohio State in the Rose Bowl