NCAA College Football 2010 Preview: Oregon Ducks
The 2009 season was one of the most successful campaigns for the Oregon Ducksi football program in school history. It ended with them playing in their first Rose Bowl in 15 years. Although they ended up losing 26-17 to Ohio State in that game, the season was largely considered a success in NCAA and with the football betting fans too.
The Ducks were happy to see 2009 turn out the way it did after it got off to such a tumultuous start. After losing their season opener to Boise State, running back LeGarrette Blount threw a punch at an opposing player. The meltdown resulted in him being suspended for most of the rest of the season.
This year, it looks like Oregon will again have to fight through turbulence to end up with a respectable season. Senior quarterback Jeremiah Masoli pleaded guilty for his role in an Oregon fraternity house and has been dismissed from the team. Sophomore running back LaMichael James has been suspended for the season opener against New Mexico after pleading guilty to misdemeanor harassment charges stemming from an altercation with a woman outside his apartment. Additionally, four players have been dismissed from the team.
Coach Chip Kelly has stressed that it is a privilege to play football for Oregon and that with that privilege comes responsibility. “If you can’t do things the right way, then there’s gonna be punishment,” said Kelly.
Despite all of the off-field issues, Oregon has been a solid football program that has yielded successful results. They would likely be a preseason top five pick with Masoli, but even without him they should still manage to be an elite college football team with 17 returning starters. Coach Kelly has shown he can adapt, as evidenced by his Ducks winning the Pac 10 for the first time since 2001 last season after Blount’s suspension.
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