2008 OUTLOOK: Obviously, it would be tough for Oregon to duplicate what happened before injuries took it all away last year -- especially with 1-2 punch Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart off to the NFL. There is a huge question at quarterback, but there was last year, too, until Dixon emerged. The Ducks likely won't be able to repeat last year, but they won't be bad, either.
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE Replacing Stewart appears to be an easier task than replacing Dixon. Jeremiah Johnson, coming off knee surgery, is a top-drawer runner and is joined by junior college transfer LeGarrette Blount in a deep position. Quarterback? Sun Bowl starter Justin Roper could start. So could Nathan Costa, coming back from a knee. Or freshman Chris Harper. Or Cade Cooper. This will be a work in progress, but this team has a strong running game to take the pressure off.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE One of the interesting things to watch in the fall will be the battle between Casey Matthews and John Bacon at middle linebacker. Regardless of who starts, the position is strong, and there's a lot of strength on the Ducks defense. D-end Nick Reed is a Lott Trophy candidate, and rover Patrick Chung is a quality player and leader.
SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS Oregon punter Josh Syria is as good as it gets, while the kicking game came on in the spring with Matt Evenson kicking a pair of 50-yard field goals. Stewart will be missed from the return game.
ROSTER REPORT
--QB Nathan Costa didn't take part in spring contact as he continued to recover from knee surgery.
--Oregon QBs were a combined 16-for-46 for 199 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in the spring game.
--TE Ed Dickson had a 67-yard pass reception early in the spring game.
--ROV Patrick Chung and FS Marvin Johnson were both hobbled in the spring.
--QB Justin Roper on his rocky road in the battle to start: "I still need to work on managing the game in certain situations and getting better with the little details."
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(POLL)
Who is your most hated team in college football? Mine is Oklahoma mainly because of all the whining there fans (and their coach) do about poor officiating.
According to Scout.com we are in the lead for Marcus Wheaton a 6-1 CB/WR with 4.4 speed. Picture it now Marcus Wheaton's gonna score!Marcus Wheaton's gonna score!
Hey guys, Boise State fan here. I like the Ducks but don't follow them closely. Obviously I'm aware of the departure of Dixon and Stewart, but what I'm curious about is what do you guys see as being your biggest offensive and defensive strengths, as well as weaknesses?
Boise State (IMO) is going to be very, very strong offensively, with a ? across almost the whol
May 3rd, 2008 on the Gator Football homepage will be the first annual fan smack-off. Fans from all over CBSSportsline.com are invited to join a special thread being set-up which will be titled "Smack-off" to talk your best smack at your bitterest rival. Auburn v. Alabama, Michigan v. OSU, USC v. UCLA, Kansas v. Missouri, we'll have it all. We are
All i have been hearing from everyone about our out of conference schedule is Boise St. this and BSU that. Ok, i understand that Boise has had a bunch of success of the last few seasons and I for one have enjoyed it as a college football fan. (That one was for you Spaded ;-)) But not a single person is talking about a MAJOR CONFERENCE (sorry Boise) opp. we have in Purdue. Im over there right no
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says, and SportsCenter just confirmed that Terrelle Pryor may delay his announcement until after February 6th so he can take an official visit out to Eugene, OR.
hey did u guys see that his newborn daughter was kissed by the pope yesterday. what a lucky duck and a lucky father. isn't that just special. what an awesome moment for u clemens, we ducks will always love u. and blessings to your new daughter elizabeth from all us ducks who enjoyed watching u play as a duck.
