BCS Predictions 2011: Why the Oregon Ducks Won't Make It Back to the Title Game

The Oregon Ducks defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils, 41-27, in their Week 7 matchup in Autzen Stadium.

The Ducks were able to do this without their star running back LaMichael James. James missed the game with a dislocated elbow.

Oregon is not the same team college football fans saw last season.

Offensively, its offensive line is not as dominant and seems to fall out of rhythm for extended periods of time. Defensively, the Ducks are talented and athletic but also very young.

Brock Osweiler exploited holes in the secondary for 291 yards and two touchdowns. Oregon did intercept two Osweiler passes. However, it was gashed for chunks of yardage several times.

Cameron Marshall and Jamal Miles combined for 165 yards on the ground. Miles averaged over nine yards per carry.

Oregon struggled to defend the perimeter consistently allowing Miles to pick up yardage on laterals to the flat.

The Oregon defense has playmakers, namely cornerback Cliff Harris. However, it tends to lose focus. Focused offenses, like LSU's in Week 1, will attack that as the season goes on.

Oregon's offense is not as easy to attack. Speed kills, and Oregon has a surplus of burners at its disposal.

Darron Thomas runs an efficient ground attack alongside Kenjon Barner and D'Anthony Thomas, but until James returns, the attack is weakened.

Lavasier Tunei is Darron Thomas' best receiving target along with D'Anthony Thomas out of the backfield. Tunei is a big body. He can move the chains or stretch the field vertically, but he is just one guy.

Dynamic is one word to describe Oregon's fast-paced offense. Dry spells have been an issue though.

Tough, disciplined defenses can slow down this attack. James' injury forces notable freshman D'Anthony Thomas to take on an even larger role. Success through the air will rely on Darron Thomas' ability to spread the ball around and incorporate tight end David Paulson.

Oregon is an exciting and dangerous team. However, it lacks the discipline and focus needed to stick with the powerhouse teams this season.

That could change November 12th when the Ducks travel to Stanford.

Stanford plays a very different style than Oregon and Andrew Luck will pick apart the tiniest holes in Oregon's secondary.

A victory over the Cardinal would make Oregon more battle-tested and prove it has the grit needed to contend for a title this season.