Oregon Football: Put It in Stone, 10 Predictions for the 2011 Season

Last year was an outstanding year for Oregon. A 12-0 season, a Pac-10 title for the second straight year and a trip the BCS National Championship Game. While the ending was not what most Duck fans had hoped for, it is hard to argue that the ride was not fun.

As the 2011 season approaches, the Ducks have outstanding returning talent and are going to start the year at No. 3 in the preseason rankings.

Last year the 10 predictions I had put in stone went pretty well. Eight out of the 10 ended up being spot on so hopefully the Ducks can make these new predictions look just as good in 2011.

With the season less then a month away, here are 10 predictions that Oregon Duck fans can take to the bank in 2011.

Last year's predictions

Darron Thomas Is the Pac-12 Quarterback of the Year

As the new Pac-12 starts the 2011 season, it is fair to say that when looking for the best quarterback in the conference, all eyes will be on Stanford's Andrew Luck.

While Luck is an incredible talent, the losses on defense will mean the Cardinal will constantly be playing catchup. This increased number of passing attempts could lead to an increase in interceptions, and a dip in Luck's performance.

Enter Darron Thomas. Last year, Thomas had an incredible first year as starter and led the Ducks to their first undefeated regular season.

In 2011, Thomas has emerged as a team leader and will end up being the first-team Pac-12 quarterback.

LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner Both Top 1,000

It became more and more obvious last year that coach Chip Kelly was looking for ways to put as much talent and speed on the field as possible.

With that theory in mind, Kelly continued to put packages together which had Kenjon Barner and LaMichael James on the field at the same time.

While James will receive the bulk of the load, Kelly will want to keep him fresh knowing that there could be an additional game at the end of the year.

With the speed that Oregon runs plays, there will be plenty of opportunities for both backs and will allow both to go over 1,000 yards.

Your Standout Newcomer Is Rahsaan Vaughn

One thing that is on the mind of every Duck fan is how are they going to replace the production of Jeff Maehl and D.J. Davis.

While the wide receiver depth did take a hit this offseason, Oregon welcomes in JUCO receiver Rahsaan Vaughn, and his experience will be needed.

Vaughn and Darron Thomas will continue to spend more and more time working together to make sure that they are ready for Week 1 in Dallas against LSU.

Ducks Defeat Trojans for Third Straight Season

In 2010, Oregon was able to travel to Southern Cal and defeat the Trojans on their home field. This win marked the second straight victory and the second time that Oregon seemed to be in control.

For the third straight season, Oregon will keep USC in check and pick up a big conference win at Autzen Stadium.

While this year's game may end up being closer then the previous two, Oregon's depth and speed will wear down the Trojans by the third and fourth quarter.

Ducks Defense Holds 5 Opponents Under 15 Points

While the Ducks did lose some of their talented leaders from the defensive side of the ball, do not confuse that with a reason that the defense will take a dip in 2011.

Despite the losses, Oregon's defense is faster then it ever has been and will still look to rotate players to keep everyone fresh throughout the game.

During the 2011 schedule, look for Oregon to hold Nevada, Missouri State, Washington State, Colorado and Cal all under 15 points.

Biggest Blowout of the Year Is Against Colorado

One thing that newcomer Colorado will not be use to is the speed in which the Pac-12, and specifically Oregon, plays.

In 2011, Oregon heads on the road to face Colorado, but this will not slow down the Ducks attack.

With the limited talent and depth on the roster, Colorado will struggle to keep up. By the end of the second or start of the third, Oregon will begin to pull away big.

Closest Game of the Year Is Against LSU

A lot of different theories surrounded the national championship this past year. Some believed that Oregon would eventually run Auburn out of gas, while others believed that the superior SEC team would beat up on the Pac-10 Ducks.

By the end of the game, you found that Oregon and Auburn matched up fairly well.

When the season kicks off in 2011, Oregon and LSU meet in a game that could play out identically to the national title game.

Both teams will be in their season opener and the team that is most sharp from the first whistle will have the upper hand.

Cliff Harris Is Back on the Field by Week 4

With some questionable off-field decisions, Cliff Harris has found himself on the sidelines and out of the starting lineup.

His actions have already caused Coach Kelly to suspend him indefinitely and will include the season opener against LSU. 

Overall, I believe that Kelly will force Harris to sit out the entire out-of-conference schedule, but should the All-American corner stay on the straight and narrow, he will be back for the Pac-12 opener against Arizona.

LaMichael James Sets Third Straight Rushing Record

When LaGarrette Blount lost his cool and threw the punch seen 'round the nation, LaMichael James was pushed into the starting role and has not looked back.

Over his two years as starter, James has broken both the freshman and sophomore rushing records of the Pac-10 conference.

In his third year as starter, look for James to make it three straight as he will break the single season rushing record for a junior.

Not only will James break that record but the University of Oregon needs to get out the eraser and prepare to rewrite their own record books.

Chip Kelly Is Still the Head Coach

People continue to wonder if the off-field issues could end up causing Chip Kelly his job. In short, the answer is no.

Throughout various media days, Kelly has remained positive and upbeat and is almost glowing when talking about the opportunity to fully speak on the recruiting investigation.

Kelly has always preached integrity to his players and has showed it himself in his dealings off the field; so there is no reason to believe this situation is any different.

Season Prediction

Last year, I predicted that Oregon would go 11-1 and was happy to be one game off. This year, the Ducks appear to be ready to make another run at the nations title.

Later this month I will be putting together my schedule breakdown and seeing how the 2011 season will shake out.

Take a look at last years predictions as they compare to how the 2010 season unfolded.

2010 Schedule Breakdown