2007 Oregon Ducks College Football Picks & Predictions


June 5, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

New offensive coordinator Chip Kelley has been working with Dennis Dixon to install a spread offense look for the Oregon Ducks in 2007. Dixon has stayed ahead of Brady Leaf on the depth chart and displays an electric running ability and a better arm as well. Eliminating turnovers is the most important thing. The Ducks led the Pac-10 in yardage last year, including in rushing for the first time since 1955. But their 32 turnovers, 18 interceptions and 14 lost fumbles, consistently hurt their team.

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Kelly worked in the spring on a no-huddle offense to increase pace, with mostly shotgun formations. Dixon took quicker drops on his way to making quicker decisions and has tried to learn to throw the ball away when it’s not there. It’s always a good idea for the Ducks to get the ball to running back Jonathan Stewart, who should be a bigger focus this year on offense. He came up 19 yards short of 1,000 last year, but Stewart and Jeremiah Johnson could each top 1,000. Stewart is a 5-11, 240-pound junior with speed, power and balance, and has 20 touchdowns in two seasons. Two came on kickoff returns. Jaison Williams had 68 receptions for 984 yards. He’s a big target at 6-5 for Dennis Dixon. The receiving and tight end corps will be inexperienced though. Three starters and some backups return on the line.

The Ducks gave up 97 yards or more to opposing running backs in 10 of 13 games last season. Oregon lacked size with an injury-plagued line. Four defensive tackles return in Jeremy Gibbs, Cole Linehan, David Faaeteete and Ra’Shon Harris. These guys are all healthy and that will help tremendously with the Ducks’ ability to stop the run. Defensive end starters in Victor Filipe and Nick Reed return to help the cause as well.

Linebacker remains the problem area. John Bacon, A.J. Tuitele and either Agyeman or Boyd could be starters. Bacon needs to make up for graduated tackle machine Blair Phillips. The secondary is anticipated to be solid with three-year starting rover Patrick Chung and returning corners Walter Thurmond III and Jairus Byrd. Mathew Harper tentatively holds on to the free safety spot. The Ducks have led the Pac-10 in pass defense the past two years. They return experienced guys to this group so a 3rd consecutive first-place finish is not out of the question.

Head coach Mike Bellotti used spring ball to send one clear message: The Ducks need to get mentally tougher, play with hunger and be in better condition. High-end talent could make Oregon one of the country’s best on offense if it cures its turnover woes. There’s no margin of error in the middle of the Pac-10 with many strong teams that could step up to the forefront. The Ducks are bunched with teams in the Nos. 3 to 7 range and Bellotti hopes his installed mental toughness throughout the team will have Oregon finishing towards the top of the pack.

Odds to Win BCS:
Sportsbook:  75-1
Bodog:          90-1
BetUS:         +4000

Odds to Win Pac 10:
BetUS:         +525

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