Oregon Football: 7 Reasons Why the Ducks Will Beat the LSU Tigers

The kickoff to college football season is less than a month away, which means one thing: The highly anticipated matchup between the Oregon Ducks and LSU Tigers is just around the corner.

Both teams rank in the top five of the preseason polls and everyone expects the game to live up to the hype.  Although no one knows what the outcome of the game will be, it is sure to be a very competitive game.

Here are seven reason why the Oregon Ducks can and will defeat the LSU Tigers on Sept. 3.

7. 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. It was widely overshadowed by the speedy offense of the Ducks, but the defense had some speed of its own. Although it lost several seniors following the season, the 2011 Oregon defense will be faster than last season’s. 

Oregon is one of very few teams in the country that can match up with the speed of the SEC on a consistent basis.  Although both Oregon and LSU have talented offenses expect the defenses to shine on Sept. 3.

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.

6. LSU’s New Offense

The LSU Tigers had a very good 2010 season, but they knew that if they wanted to make the jump in 2011, their offense would need to improve.  For that reason the Tigers hired new offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe.

Unfortunately, Kragthorpe recently had to step down from his position due to his battle with Parkinson's disease.  He will remain with the staff as the quarterbacks coach but there is no doubt that this change will have an effect on the opening game.

Quarterback Jordan Jefferson will have to adjust to a new play caller in offensive line coach Greg Studrawa.  Over the course of the season, this change shouldn't have a huge impact but the same cannot be said for the season opener against Oregon.

5. 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 its 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. 

One player who should make an immediate impact is Colt Lyerla, who expects to be utilized in multiple roles on offense because of his combination of size and speed.

In addition to these speedsters, the Ducks scored many players who will fill positions of need down the road.  Thanks to Chip Kelly, Oregon has reached the point where it no longer rebuilds—it reloads.

4. Jordan Jefferson

Quarterback Jordan Jefferson has had his fair share of ups and downs as the starter for LSU.  The Tigers are hoping that the guidance of coach Steve Kragthorpe can mold Jefferson into a consistently great quarterback.

The problem for Jefferson has been turning the ball over in LSU's biggest games.  As a starter for the Tigers Jefferson is 20-7.  In those seven losses Jefferson has been less than spectacular, throwing seven touchdowns against five interceptions.

Against the speed of the Oregon Ducks defense, Jefferson is bound to turn the ball over on Sept. 3.  If the Ducks can force turnovers at key times and keep LSU off the scoreboard, Oregon will have a great shot to win the game.

3. LaMichael James

Out of all of the gifted athletes on the Oregon 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.

Despite his size, James may not only be the fastest player on the team, but also the strongest. 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. 

LSU has plenty of talented athletes in its own right but the Tigers do not have a LaMichael James.  He is a special talent that will go as far as his offensive line will let him.

2. 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 its quarterback and running back return, it also brings back key players on defense.

Oregon returns safeties John Boyett and Eddie Pleasant, who will be leaders on the defense this season.  And 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.

1. Chip Kelly

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

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

It is no secret that Kelly has failed to win Oregon's biggest games away from Autzen Stadium, but that experience should benefit him against LSU.

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