AP Top 25: Why the Oregon Ducks Deserve To Be No. 1

After all the offseason problems, players arrested, and players kicked off the team, you would think the Oregon Ducks would have a hard time overcoming those problems to be one of the nation's elite football programs in 2010.

Well, like most of the surprises we've received this college football season, the Oregon Ducks have come out and surprised everyone.

They put 72 points on the board in week 1, then ran past an SEC opponent, on the road no less, in week 2.

What could they possibly do for an encore?

While both the AP and the USA Today polls don't have the Ducks higher than seventh, here are five reasons why they belong atop both polls at No. 1.

Schedule So Far Isn't Much Different Than Those in Front of Them

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EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 04: The crowd at Autzen Stadium makes some noise during the game between the Oregon Ducks and the New Mexico Lobos on September 4, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

The Oregon Ducks, through two weeks, have blown out New Mexico 72-0 and ran over Tennessee 48-13.

Before you start screaming about the teams that Oregon, or your team, is about to play, let me remind you we're just talking about the games played so far, not who they're about to play.

Alabama: San Jose State, Penn State (both at home)

Ohio State: Marshall, Miami (both at home)

Boise State: Virginia Tech (who ended up losing to James Madison in week 2)

TCU: Oregon State, Tennessee Tech (one at home, one may as well have been—Cowboys' Stadium)

Texas: Rice, Wyoming (both at home)

Nebraska: Western Kentucky, Idaho (both at home)

Florida: Miami (OH), South Florida (both at home)

So of the seven teams mentioned above, two of them played a game away from home (TCU, Boise State). Oregon went to a SEC school and made them look like a Sun Belt team.

Second in the Nation in Scoring

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EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 04: Wide receiver Drew Davis #10 of the Oregon Ducks eludes the tackle of linebacker Joe Stoner #39 of the New Mexico Lobos and heads up the field with a pass reception in the first quarter of the game at Autzen Stadium on Septembe

The Ducks are averaging 60 points per game, just one point per game behind the Houston Cougars. The only Top 25 team that's close? TCU (46.0).

Third-Best Defense in the Top 25

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EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 04: Linebacker Casey Matthews #55 of the Oregon Ducks (L) and free safety John Boyett #20 of the Oregon Ducks (R) gang up to tackle running back Demond Dennis #1 of the New Mexico Lobos in the first quarter of the game at Autzen Sta

Of the Top 25 teams, Oregon is second in points per game against (6.5) behind Alabama (3) and third in total defense (220.0 ypg) behind TCU (202.5) and Iowa (216.0).

Neither of Their First Two Games Have Been Close

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EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 04: Head coach Chip Kelly of the Oregon Ducks paces the sidelines in the third quarter of the game against the New Mexico Lobos at Autzen Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 72-0. (Photo by Steve Dyk

A margin of victory of 52.5 points is telling enough, but neither of their first two games were even close. Their offense has had no problem going up and down the field.

You can almost sense a hint of a smile on Chip Kelly's face.

They Have the Most Talented Team in the Country

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EUGENE,OR - DECEMBER 03: LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs with the ball against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium on December 3, 2009 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)

Not only do they have sophomore running back LaMichael James, who ran wild on Tennessee, but they got a great effort from Kenjon Barner in their opening game. Barner has 173 yards and four scores through two games as well as having Remene Alston, who has 150 yards and one score.

Jeremiah Masoli was kicked off the team and subsequently transferred to Ole Miss, but the Ducks have been just fine under the leadership of Darron Thomas. He's thrown for 422 yards and four touchdowns, with two touchdown passes in each game.

Sure, there are arguments for Alabama and Ohio State, and those are all well and good, but through two games, the Oregon Ducks are making a solid argument as the best team in college football right now.