Oregon Ducks Football: 7 New Year's Resolutions for the Ducks

With the new year right around the corner, people will be putting together their new year's resolutions. While most people will promise to lose weight, get a new job or quit smoking or drinking, teams take a different look at things.

The Ducks have had an up and down 2010. It started with a loss in the Rose Bowl and was followed-up with some off the field issues. After the departure of Jeremiah Masoli, the year took a turn for the better.

Once Darron Thomas was given the starting job the Ducks have reached new heights. After going 12-0 and finding themselves in the national championship, 2010 will come to an end and 2011 will begin.

Here are some new year's resolutions for the Ducks in 2011.

Stop Cam Newton

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CORVALLIS, OR - DECEMBER 4: Quarterback Ryan Katz #12 of the Oregon State Beavers lays on the turf after being hit by Casey Matthews #55 of the Oregon Ducks in the first quarter of the game at Reser Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Corvallis, Oregon. The Du

The first thing the Ducks will look to do in 2011 is stop Cam Newton.

This is a task that nobody has truly been successful with this year, but in order for the Ducks to have a chance at winning, they must slow down Newton. Newton is a rare blend of speed and arm strength and the Ducks will have their hands full all day.

Win School's First National Title

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CORVALLIS, OR - DECEMBER 4: Cornerback Scott Grady #28 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates on the field after the game at Reser Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Corvallis, Oregon. he Ducks beat the Beavers 37-20 to likely go on the BCS Championship game at the T

No other resolution is as important as this one. The Ducks will be competing for their first national championship and national respect.

By beating Auburn, the Ducks will be showing that they can hang with the SEC and do something none of the teams in that conference could do, beat Auburn.

Convince LaMichael James to Return

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CORVALLIS, OR - DECEMBER 4: LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game at Reser Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Corvallis, Oregon. The Ducks beat the Beavers 37-20 to likely go on to the BCS Championshi

Once the championship game is over, the Ducks and its coaching staff will have to shift its focus to its next task, keeping LaMichael James on campus.

The temptation to leave will be there for James. He will be coming off an All-American season and will have been given a national stage to audition his talents. J

ames has been illusive in answering this question, so the staff will have to work hard to keep James around.

Have a Positive Offseason

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CORVALLIS, OR - DECEMBER 04: The Oregon Ducks hold their helmets high before the game against the Oregon State Beavers during the 114th Civil War on December 4, 2010 at the Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

After last year's issues, the Ducks will need to remain focused and get themselves ready for spring practices.

While it is easy to lose focus after the bowl game is over, leaders on this team will have to do their best to make sure the team remembers that the 2011 season will be there before they know it.

Continue Home Winning Streak

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EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Oregon Ducks mascot 'Puddles' is lifted on the shoulders of fans after the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks won the game 48-29. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Imag

The Ducks and their fans can get Autzen Stadium rocking at unbelievable levels. It has been a while since the Ducks have lost at home. In fact, the last time the Ducks suffered a home loss was 2008.

In 2008, the Ducks lost to Boise State after two of their quarterbacks were knocked out. The Ducks have been perfect at home the last two years and will look to make it three straight years.

Third Straight Pac-10 Championship

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Darron Thomas #1 of the Oregon Ducks warms up before their game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

After stopping the USC reign in 2009, the Oregon Ducks have won the past two Pac-10 championships. While the Ducks will lose some talent to graduation, this team is loaded with young talent and will look to win its third straight title.

This will be the first time the conference will move to the Pac-12, so the Ducks could be the first Pac-12 champions.

Keep Chip Kelly

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CORVALLIS, OR - DECEMBER 4: Head coach Chip Kelly of the Oregon Ducks looks on from the sidelines in the second quarter of the game against the the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Corvallis, Oregon. The Ducks beat the Beavers

When Chip Kelly came to Oregon in 2007, he has revolutionized the Ducks offense. In the past two years, Kelly is 22-3, has won back to back Pac-10 championships and has led the Ducks to a Rose Bowl and now BCS Title Game.

While Kelly has stated how much he has enjoyed being in Oregon and has signed a contract extension, Duck fans now know what its like to have an elite coach and the fear that you feel anytime a job opening come available.