2010 Arkansas Razorbacks Preview Odds

Oregon Ducks

10-3, 7-6 ATS, 1st Place in Pac-10

Odds to Win 2010 BCS Championship: +1800 at Bookmaker Sportsbook

Under previous head coach Mike Bellotti, the Ducks missed a bowl game only twice in 14 years. Expectations ran high last season for first year coach Chip Kelly, and his team did not disappoint. The Ducks are coming off a Rose Bowl appearance, and with USC out of the bowl mix, they are again the favorites to get back into the BCS.

Offensive Outlook: Jeremiah Masoli would have returned for his senior season to quarterback the team. Last year, he completed 58 percent of his passes for 2,147 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. He was the team’s second leading rusher, gaining 5.5 yards per scramble and scoring 13 times. However, he was kicked off the team following multiple arrests. Nathan Costa is the likely successor. Jeff Maehl was Masoli’s favorite target last year, catching 53 balls for 696 yards and six scores. A team that used the tight end a lot loses its best option, Ed Dickinson. Dickinson caught 42 passes for 551 yards and six touchdowns. This unit doesn’t have a stellar passing attack, evidenced by last season’s 98th ranking; the main focus is the ground game. In 2009, the team scored 38 of its 54 offensive touchdowns via the rush. Masoli had been assisted by now sophomore LaMichael James. As a freshman, James averaged 6.7 yards per carry and scored 14 times on 230 carries. Without Masoli, James will be the main workhorse for this offense that will still be very strong.

Defensive Outlook: Last year’s defensive unit surrendered 23.2 points and 336.3 yards per game. Pressuring the quarterback was the unit’s forte, with 36 sacks. The unit retains starting cornerback Talmadge Jackson, who led the team with four interceptions. Three senior linebackers will also be starting. The main concern will be at defensive back and safety, where four seniors have graduated, leaving only sophomores. Last year’s squad was ranked 44th against the pass and 42nd against the run.

The Final Word: With USC’s bowl ban, Oregon could make the BCS with a second place finish in conference. It may take a slight step back with Costa at quarterback and questions in the defensive secondary and a road schedule that includes Tennessee, Cal, Oregon State and USC is no cakewalk. Still, expect the Ducks to remain right there in the Pac-10 title race.

2010 Oregon Ducks Prediction: 10-2, 2nd place in Pac-10

2010 Oregon Ducks Schedule
9/4 New Mexico
9/11 @ Tennessee
9/18 Portland State
9/25 @ Arizona State
10/2 Stanford
10/9 @ Washington State
10/21 UCLA
10/30 @ USC
11/6 Washington
11/13 @ California
11/26 Arizona
12/4 @ Oregon State