JR’s top 25 - #17 Oregon

By J.R. Hopwood  |   Thursday, August 04, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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It seems like only yesterday that Oregon Ducks felt snubbed by the BCS claiming that they deserved a Rose Bowl shot against Miami (FL). But since then the team has managed to lose 5, 4 and 6 games respectively. Head Coach Mike Bellotti has some solid talent returning for his 2005 bid and should have a shot at a nine win season.

This is the year senior QB Kellen Clemens has to shine (not that he hasn't already), and this may be the best chance for Oregon Ducks to return to the level of that 2001 season. Kellen Clemens has amassed over 5000 yards passing and has thrown 42 TDs in his time at Oregon. Last year he threw for 2548 yards and a ratio of 22:10.

RB Terrence Whitehead returns after rushing for 1144 yards and 6 TDs last season. Whitehead was also third best on the team in receiving yards, trailing Demetrius Williams and Tim Day, who also return. This offensive unit could easily improve over last year's numbers.

The defense also has a shot to improve their numbers as seven starters return, including 2nd Team PAC-10 DT Haloti Ngata. Three of the top five tacklers return and there is some real solid talent for the starting unit this season.

The Oregon Ducks have a great team this year and should finish second in the Pac-10. If Autzen is loud enough Oregon may even sneak a win against USC, but it'll be tough. The more realistic scenario is a two loss season and a chance to get back to a bowl after missing out last year.
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