Oregon Ducks Football: Predicting Each Game During 2011 Season

With the 2011 season just two days away, it is time to take a look into the crystal ball and see what is in store for the Oregon Ducks this year.

Last year, I predicted that the Ducks would go 11-1, with their only loss being against Oregon State. Fortunately, I was wrong and the Ducks went 12-0 and made it to their first national championship game.

Time to see what the Ducks will do for an encore.

LSU

In the biggest game of the college football season's opening week, Oregon will go up against LSU in Dallas.

While the storylines around the game are interesting, few will play a factor on Saturday.

The recent suspension of Jordan Jefferson is not as big as many would lead you to believe, considering that LSU hangs its hat on defense and special teams. Also, the loss of Russell Shepard is going to be offset by Oregon's loss of Cliff Harris.

Expect a low-scoring game in which a turnover or big play on special teams could determine the winner.

Oregon 22, LSU 17

Nevada

I expect that the Wolf Pack will hang tough early on in this game. This will be their first game of the season, and they will have film on Oregon from the LSU game.

The downside for Nevada is it will be without last year's quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, and replacing him in their first game of the season will be too difficult.

Despite the extra time, Nevada lost too many starters to keep this game tight for 60 minutes.

Oregon 48, Nevada 17

Missouri State

Unfortunately for Missouri State, it is traveling to Autzen Stadium as nothing more then a glorified scrimmage for the Ducks.

Oregon has way too much depth, speed and talent for this too be close. The Ducks will use the majority of their bench the way they did against Portland State last year and win big.

Oregon 62, Missouri State 3

At Arizona

While playing a conference road game is never easy, Oregon has the talent and depth to get the job done at Arizona.

Arizona will struggle early in the season with replacing all of the starters on its offensive line, and replacing three starters along the defensive line will not be easy either.

Much like last year, this game could turn into a shootout.

Oregon 52, Arizona 31

Cal

Last year the Cal defense did an outstanding job of containing Oregon's offense. This year, Cal heads to Autzen to play a Thursday night game that is guaranteed to be rocking.

With Cal's offseason losses and a relatively ineffective offense, look for Oregon to take the mystery out of this game by the third quarter as the Ducks begin to pull away.

Oregon 37, Cal 17

Arizona State

When Arizona State comes to Autzen, fans could be seeing an early preview of the Pac-12 championship game.

Other than LSU, Arizona State will likely be the only opponent who can challenge the Ducks' offense.

Last year when these two teams met, the Sun Devils could not stop turning the ball over and eventually gave away their chances at winning. If they can hang on to the ball this year, we could see an upset.

Oregon 43, ASU 37

At Colorado

This is a game that could get ugly in a hurry.

Colorado is new to the Pac-12 conference this year and has yet to get an opportunity to see the Ducks' fast-paced offense up close.

Despite being on the road, Oregon should put its foot on the gas and take care of this game early.

Oregon 48, Colorado 13

Washington State

While Washington State is starting to improve and should make strides to get out of the conference basement, this is a game that does not set up well for the Cougars.

Playing at home, the Ducks will be able to wear down the Cougars defense and take control of this game by the half.

Oregon 59, Washington State 21

At Washington

While the talent and depth clearly favors Oregon in this game, the Ducks must make sure they are not looking past the Huskies towards Stanford.

Washington is a team that has been improving the past few years, and held up better than most teams when facing the Ducks.

If Oregon can come in focused on "winning the day" and not beating Stanford, it will lead to another Duck victory in this rivalry.

Oregon 44, Washington 27

At Stanford

When Oregon heads to Palo Alto to take on Stanford, the Ducks will be playing in the conference's biggest game of the year.

Andrew Luck returned to Stanford this year with the chance to win the Pac-12 and maybe get a shot at the national title. That dream could be clinched in this game.

Like last year, these two teams match up well, but some offseason loses for Stanford on the defensive side of the ball may be the key.

Expect a high-scoring shootout when these two teams go at it.

Oregon 48, Stanford 41

USC

Oregon has been able to wear down USC with its depth and speed over the last two seasons. This season, the Trojans come back up to Oregon where they have not won since 2005.

Currently, the Trojans are still dealing with NCAA sanctions that will limit their depth. If Oregon is able to get out and run like it has in 2009 and 2010, this will be a long game for USC.

Oregon 45, USC 31

Oregon State

The Ducks have come out on top in the Civil War each of the past three seasons, and with the game returning to Autzen they are primed to make it four in a row.

The Ducks' depth and speed will again be a factor in this game, and Oregon State will struggle to put points on the board. Again, this could be over early.

Oregon 38, Oregon State 17