Oregon Football: Breaking Down the Ducks' Week 1 Game Against LSU

In the opening week of the college football season, Oregon is going to be involved in one of the most anticipated games of the year when they go head-to-head with LSU.

The game is going to be played in Dallas, but odds are it will feel like a LSU home game due to the distances the two teams will have to travel.

Here is a breakdown of how the Ducks match up against the Tigers on offense, defense and special teams.

Quarterback

When comparing Darron Thomas and Jordan Jefferson, the two quarterbacks appear to be at different stages of their development.

Thomas is coming off of an undefeated season and is looking to lead the Ducks back to the national title game.

On the other hand, Jefferson is being viewed as the one question mark on a LSU team that appears ready for a title run.

Advantage: Oregon

Running Back

When comparing LaMichael James and any other running back in the nation, the edge is likely going to go to James.

James will be entering his junior season and is viewed by many as one of the serious contenders for the Heisman Trophy.

For LSU, Spencer Ware will be making his first start at running back this season, but still should be a very productive back.

Advantage: Oregon

Receivers/Tight End

With the amount of new talent Oregon has brought in this year and the uncertainty around Josh Huff, the matchup between the two programs' receiver positions is one-sided.

While the Ducks do have talented players and one of the best tight ends in the nation, the Tigers have proven talent with players like Russell Sheppard and Rueben Randle.

Advantage: LSU

Offensive Line

Last year, the Oregon offensive line ended up being one of its strengths, but they are still shifting and moving players in hopes of finding a winning combination this year.

On the other side of the coin, LSU is returning four starters and has a good amount of experience up front.

Advantage: LSU

Defensive Line

Both teams will be starting some new faces on their defensive line in the opening week of the season.

The difference between the programs is that LSU is going to be bigger and able to cause a few more issues for the Ducks than the other way around.

Advantage: LSU

Linebackers

Another area of concern for Oregon is the hit they took with their linebackers. The loss of Casey Matthews is something that should not be forgotten and will be something that hurts the Ducks.

LSU enters the 2011 season with all three starting linebackers back on defense, and this gives them a clear advantage.

Advantage: LSU

Secondary

If Oregon had Cliff Harris available for this game, this would be a clear-cut advantage for the Ducks, but due to the suspension, things are a bit more interesting.

While LSU certainly does not lack talent in its secondary, Oregon still has Eddie Pleasant and John Boyett back, plus plenty of speed with their other corners.

Advantage: Oregon

Special Teams

Special teams could be what determines this game.

Again, with Cliff Harris, Oregon has a clear advantage, but he will not be playing.

In the kicking game, Oregon will be returning Rob Beard, while LSU is turning over the duties to Drew Alleman for the first year.

Overall, the experience of Kenjon Barner in a returner role could give the Ducks a slight edge.

Advantage: Oregon

Prediction

Over the next week and a half, a lot could be determined about this game off of the field. Recently, reports have linked Jordan Jefferson and other LSU players to a bar fight that may result in serious charges being pressed on Jefferson.

On the other hand, it is already clear Cliff Harris will not be playing, which puts Oregon at a disadvantage on both defense and special teams.

In the end, with or without Jefferson, my pick would be the same.

Prediction: Oregon 28, LSU 24