LSU vs Oregon: What Chip Kelly and the Ducks Must Do To Win without Cliff Harris

Cliff Harris, the self proclaimed "cheese on the nachos" of Oregon's football team, was suspended indefinitely by coach Chip Kelly due to a string of unpaid traffic tickets totaling in excess of $8,000.

This leaves a big hole for the Ducks to fill in their season opener against LSU, and quite possibly, for a large portion of their season.

However, the season is taken one game at a time, and as of right now, LSU is the only game that matters.

Let's see what the Ducks must do in order to, at the least, have a chance in this huge game.

The Ducks Must Find a Special Special Teamer

Harris was no slouch when it came to returning punts and kicks for the Ducks. He returned four punts for touchdowns last year, the biggest of which came against Cal.

The return saved the Ducks' hopes at the national title and cemented Harris as a cornerstone in the Ducks' lineup. Harris also received the award for best returner in the country last season, and because of this, the Ducks are going to have some big shoes to fill.

Luckily, the Ducks do not run short on returning talent. Kenjon Barner and Josh Huff were both very good on special teams last season, and if Huff can get back to 100 percent for the game in Dallas, the Ducks should be able to fill this gap Harris leaves quite easily.

The Ducks' Corners Must Grow Up, Fast

Harris is also a shutdown, ball-hawking corner that was known to either make a big play or give up the big play.

Consistency was something that the coaches were and still are working on, and maybe a lack of maturity was to be blamed for this (see traffic violations for proof). Unfortunately, maturity is not to be found in the Ducks' CB department, as Harris is the second-most tenured player after senior Anthony Gildon.

Speedy R.S. Fre. Dior Mathis and sophomore Avery Patterson are going to see a lot of playing time and their preparation for the game will be key. Working in the Ducks' favor is the fact that LSU's receiving group is relatively inexperienced as well, returning only two juniors and underclassmen.

John Boyett Needs to Bring His A-Game

Boyett is an integral part of the Ducks' secondary.

In this game Boyett will have to be all over the field all of the time. He had five interceptions last season, and he will have to ride that momentum into this game.

If Boyett can keep the Ducks' secondary in order, the big play should be eliminated from LSU's arsenal.

The Ducks Need To Score and Score and Score and Score and Score

Chip Kelly's blur offense is going to be Oregon's ticket to a win against LSU in Dallas.

The Ducks' defense was never going to be depended on to win the game for Oregon, they were, and still are, simply there to not lose the game.

The offense returns Heisman hopeful LaMichael James as well as second year starter Darron Thomas at quarterback. The offensive line is in a bit of disarray, but if the spring game was any indication, the Ducks should be okay on the line.

Wide receiver Lavasier Tuinei will lead a very young receiving group, meaning James will probably be leaned on more heavily this year. Barner was seen in the slot during the spring game, and having him on the field with James at the same time is something that Chip Kelly will certainly take advantage of.

Josh Huff will also need to step up and fill the spots opened after Jeff Maehl and D.J. Davis' departure. Overall, the Ducks look like they will be fine on offense, and if they can be the near point-a-minute offense that they were last year, the Ducks will be in a great position to win the game.

The Ducks Must Learn To Like Their Nachos without Their Cheese

Cliff Harris' suspension is indefinite, meaning that the dilemma could be a plague for a good portion of the season, or it could blow over after week one.

Only Chip Kelly knows what he is going to do with or without Harris. The rest of the team needs to accept this too and make due without him.

I have a good feeling that Kelly and his Ducks will rise to the occasion in Dallas, but the only way to find out is to play the game, and that is exactly what will be happening on September 3rd.