Darron Thomas and Oregon Football: What's Next for the Ducks?

One of Oregon's keys to success has been consistency at the quarterback position.

Last year, a very good Darron Thomas finished the year with a loss in the National Championship Game. This year, however, an early LSU loss set the Ducks off track to revisit the title game.

Apart from that, the Oregon lost their leader last night in an impressive win over the Arizona State Sun Devils. The junior at quarterback is one of the nation's best player by far, and if he remains out for the rest of the season, it will be tough hit on Oregon.

The Ducks have maintained only two losses so far under Thomas, falling only to Auburn in the championship game last season and to a fantastic LSU team earlier this season. This is the second week that Ducks have had star injury problems. Cal took out superstar RB LaMichael James with a dislocated shoulder.

Just by watching the Ducks play, the offense looks slightly out of sync without James. Now with their starting QB watching from the sidelines, it's hard to say they won't have problems.

Thomas' tweaked knee needs to heal fast because just four short weeks from now, Oregon faces off against Pac-12 North foe Stanford, and winning that game will be of the utmost importance for the Ducks.

Fortunately for Oregon, they take on weak Pac-12 opponents the next three weeks. Colorado, Washington and Washington State should not produce any kind of threat against a top-tiered team like Oregon, even without QB Darron Thomas.

The next three weeks should be quiet for Oregon while they rehab James and Thomas. Last night, the quarterback jogged off the field and into the locker room, which is a hopeful sign of his return soon. 

Backup QB Bryan Bennett finished off a strong Arizona State team, which is a good sign is Thomas' injury keeps him off the field for over a week. Chip Kelly and the Ducks should not worry about their starting QB's return as Oregon will continue to roll all the way until the Stanford game away from home.

Staying focused and preparing for their Pac-12 opponents over the next few weeks is very important. Watch out for the Ducks to make more than another splash in the BCS, Thomas at the helm leading them all the way to the Rose Bowl.