2010 Oregon Ducks: College Football Predictions and Odds
2010 Oregon Ducks: College Football Predictions and Odds
The Oregon Ducks are a 40-1 longshot at online sportsbooks to win in 2011 BCS odds while looking like a top choice to win the Pac 10 Conference. With USC under probation and a weak field overall, Oregon is appealing to many in college football predictions due to their 10-3 record last year and Pac 10 championship. While the Ducks had a solid 2009 season for rookie coach Chip Kelley they have also had numerous off field discipline issues that climaxed with the release of quarterback Jeremiah Masoli. Sophomore Darron Thomas is currently tops on the Oregon Ducks 2010 depth chart to lead the offense that has 9 returning starters.
One of the big names back on offense is sophomore LaMichael James, who ran for an astounding 1608 yards and 14 touchdowns last year. James looks to be the top back in the Pac 10. Heading into BCS odds, Oregon looks explosive again on offense after a 2009 season in which they scored 31 or more points in 9 games. Oregon has averaged at least 36 points per game the past 3 seasons. Oregon also returns 8 starters on a defense that was somewhat inconsistent last year. The secondary is considered to be strong and with the experience will come better numbers.
The defense has never been stout at Oregon and has allowed no less than 23 points per game the past 7 campaigns. Oregon has been a consistent team on the board since 2000 with just one season in the red during that time span and 7 consecutive seasons in the black in Pac 10 Conference action. Oregon will find out where they stand in 2011 BCS odds during a mid season stretch in which the host UCLA, travel to USC, host Washington and then travel to California. And of course the regular season ends with the Civil War at Oregon State. Oregon gets a lot of hype and has plenty of athletes but must show better institutional discipline and far tougher defense to be taken serious. At 10-1 they look like a weak value.