Oregon Football: 10 Reasons Why the Ducks Will Win the National Championship

After an outstanding 2010 season, the Oregon Ducks have one goal for this season: make it back to the BCS National Championship Game and win it.

The Ducks will, no doubt, have a chip on their shoulder going into the 2011 season and should be in contention for a national title once again.  To get there, they will need to go through LSU and navigate their way through their first-ever Pac-12 season.

There is a lot of excitement around the football team in Eugene, and the Ducks have no reason not to live up to the hype.

Here are seven reasons the Oregon Ducks will not just play in, but win, this season's BCS National Championship.

10. The 2011 Recruiting Class

Oregon’s freshman class this year is arguably the most talented group to step foot on campus.  The recruiting class was ranked ninth best in the country by Rivals and is loaded from top to bottom. 

What stands out most in the 2011 class is their speed.  Devon Blackmon, De’Anthony Thomas, Tacoi Sumler and Rahsaan Vaughn have all clocked 40-yard dash times of 4.4 seconds or faster and should each push for playing time this fall. 

In addition, the Ducks scored many players who will fill positions of need down the road.  Thanks to Chip Kelly, Oregon has reached the point where they no longer rebuild—they reload.

9. Josh Kaddu

Although the Ducks lost two outstanding linebackers after last season, Spencer Paysinger and Casey Matthews, they did retain a pretty good one. 

Josh Kaddu is often forgotten by many football fans, but people will definitely remember his name in 2011. 

Now he is the lead linebacker in Oregon’s rotation and will be counted on to continue to produce at a high level.  Besides his size and athletic ability, Kaddu has valuable experience that is critical as the Ducks embark on a long and difficult season.

8. Speed

It is no secret that the Oregon Ducks have one of the fastest teams in college football, but very few fans know how fast they really are.  The offensive stars get most of the praise, but in 2011, the speedy defense should get more well-deserved recognition.

In 2010, the Oregon Ducks had one of the best defenses in the country that no one was talking about. They were widely overshadowed by the speedy offense the Ducks run, but the defense had some speed of its own. Although they lost several seniors following the season, the 2011 Oregon defense will be faster than last season’s. 

Each year, Oregon is bringing in better and better recruiting classes, and it is showing on the field.  Despite some inexperience in the front seven, the Ducks will not change their aggressive style and will be very tough for opposing offenses to prepare for.

But the Ducks offense does not like to be outshone and should have plenty of fireworks in 2011 with their speedy freshmen receivers.

7. Kenjon Barner

Around the country, LaMichael James is known as the face of the Oregon backfield, but he is just one of many talented backs.  His main “backup” is Kenjon Barner, who posses much of the same speed and agility James does.

Last season, Barner missed several games due to a severe concussion he suffered returning a kickoff against Washington State.  His carries were limited following his return.  Despite that, he still averaged six yards a carry for the second season in a row. 

James and Barner will likely be on the field at the same time a lot this season, which should scare defenses.

6. Experience

Although the Ducks only return 12 starters from last season's Pac-10 championship team, Oregon is loaded with experience where it matters.  In addition to having their quarterback and running back for another season, they also return key players on defense.

Oregon returns safeties John Boyett and Eddie Pleasant, who will be leaders on the defense this season.  Last season, young players like receiver Josh Huff got valuable playing time.  That should pay off in 2011.

The Ducks are one of the best teams in college football this season, and their experience in big games is a major reason why.

5. John Boyett

In 2010, Oregon’s defense had one of their best seasons in their defensive coordinator’s long history with the Ducks.  A big reason for that was the play of safety John Boyett. 

Of all of the talented players in the Ducks’ secondary, Boyett may not be the most athletic, but he sure has a knack for making big plays.  Last season, he had key interceptions on the road at games against Arizona State, USC and Oregon State.  As Boyett enters his junior season, coaches are hoping he can build on his experience as a starter and be a real leader on their defense. 

Over his first two seasons playing for the Ducks, Boyett has recorded 156 tackles and eight interceptions.  If he continues to put up the same kind of numbers next year, the Ducks will be lucky to keep him for his senior season.

4. Autzen Stadium

The Oregon Ducks have the advantage of having one of the best home field advantages in all of the country.  Autzen Stadium is one of the loudest and toughest stadiums to play in across college football.

In 2011, that could really come in handy, as the Ducks will host Cal, Arizona State, USC and Oregon State in Eugene.  The big bonus for Oregon is that this season's Pac-12 championship game will be played at the home of the team with the best conference record.

If the Ducks can take advantage of their manageable schedule and win the Pac-12 North, they will be rewarded with an extra home game in Autzen Stadium.

In case you forgot, the Ducks haven't lost at home since September 2008.

3. Darron Thomas

When Oregon fans saw Darron Thomas throw multiple touchdown passes against Boise State as a true freshman, they knew he'd be good. 

But maybe not this good. 

In his first season as a starter, Thomas took command of the Oregon offense and helped make it the highest-scoring offense in the country.

Thomas is now an unquestioned leader for the Ducks as he approaches his second season as the starting quarterback.  Last season he played very well, but in 2011, Thomas will need to be great for Oregon to return to the national championship game. 

With new faces on the offensive line and at receiver, Thomas will need to be even sharper at executing Chip Kelly’s offense.  In Thomas’s second year as the starter, Oregon has the chance to become the first champions of the Pac-12. 

2. Chip Kelly

As talented as the Oregon Ducks roster is, head coach Chip Kelly may be the most dangerous weapon the team has.  Kelly is one of the best coaches in college football today and has done nothing but win since coming to Eugene.

Kelly has gone 22-4 since taking over for Mike Bellotti as head coach of the Ducks in 2009.  The offense he runs is one of the most innovative in the country and continues to evolve season after season.

Despite the looming NCAA investigation on Oregon's recruiting practices, the Ducks seem ready for the 2011 season.  They are the favorites to win the first ever Pac-12 this season, and Kelly is a big reason why.

1. LaMichael James

Of all of the gifted athletes on the Oregon football roster, none is more talented than LaMichael James.  He is the best running back in college football and is poised for another great season with the Ducks.

James is arguably the fastest player on the team, in addition to being one of the strongest, despite his size.  The 2010 season was a breakout one for James, and after being a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, he wants to put up even better numbers this year. 

Unfortunately for James, the Ducks' depth at running back may prevent him from doing so.  Kenjon Barner, Lache Seastrunk and DeAnthony Thomas all expect to get touches.  Look for the Ducks to feature multiple running backs on the field in 2011, which will give defenses nightmares. 

Regardless of the team's depth, James is a special talent and should have another spectacular season this year.