2013 College Football Preseason Rankings: #3 Oregon Ducks BCS Odds and Predictions

2013 College Football Preseason Rankings: #3 Oregon Ducks BCS Odds and Predictions: Last year, the Ducks and their high-powered offense were steamrolling their way through the competition and appeared headed to the BCS title game. Heck, Oregon went on the road against USC and won by double digits despite allowing 51 points. However, the offensive assault and undefeated season were both stopped in their tracks when the Stanford Cardinal came to town in November. The Ducks managed just 14 points against their division rival, falling 17-14 in overtime. The loss cost Oregon a shot at both the Pac-12 title and national title, but the season wasn’t a total bust. The Ducks still earned a trip to the Fiesta Bowl, marking the fourth straight season the program has played in a BCS game. More importantly, Oregon clobbered Kansas State in their bowl game. Although is little doubt that Oregon has established itself as one of the top programs in college football heading into the 2013 college football season, the challenge for the Ducks this year will be maintaining its status as a national power despite breaking in a new head coach.

The Good News:

A ton of playmakers are back for an offense that ranked second in the country in scoring, fourth in yards from scrimmage and fifth in rushing. Among the returnees are dual-threat quarterback Marcus Mariota, running back Byron Marshall and all-purpose back De’Anthony Thomas. Both offensive tackles are also among the eight returning starters on offense, and speedy freshman running back Thomas Tyner is sure to make an immediate impact, as well. Meanwhile, seven starters are back on the defensive side of the ball, including star cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu and the entire secondary.

The Bad News:

The architect of Oregon’s read-option spread is now in the NFL, and while new head coach Mark Helrich and new offensive coordinator Scott Frost certainly know the system inside and out, there is no way of telling if the two will have the same leadership ability and game management skills as Chip Kelly. The Ducks also lost a couple of key players with running back Kenjon Barner and defensive end Dion Jordan also jumping to the NFL. The loss of Jordan in particular could pose problems. Oregon does have plenty of depth on the defensive line, but someone will have to step up and replace Jordan’s pass-rushing production.

Outlook:

Despite Kelly’s departure, there are plenty of reasons for the Ducks to be confident. After all, nearly every important contributor is back from a team that went 12-1 and won every game by at least 11 points and won 10 games by more than 17 points. Plain and simple, Oregon is going to remain a high-scoring offensive juggernaut at least for this season. Meanwhile, the Pac-12 isn’t exactly scary these days, and the Ducks dodge USC and get UCLA at home. A showdown with Stanford will likely decide the North Division and Oregon’s conference title hopes, and while the Cardinal stifled the Ducks’ rushing attack last year, I think an improved passing game fueled by Mariota’s development and bigger roles for receiver Josh Huff and Colt Lyeria will allow the Ducks to flip the script this year. However, I also think Kelly’s absence will be felt at some point during the year, and Oregon will drop a game that it should win.

Prediction: 11-1, Pac-12 North Division Champions

Preseason Vegas Odds for Oregon’s 2013 College Football Team:
Oregon’s 2013 Odds to Win BCS Championship: +650
Oregon’s 2013 Odds to Win Pac 12 North Division: +100
Oregon’s 2013 Odds to Win Pac 12 Championship: +150

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