In 2001 the Ducks were ranked in the preseason AP poll for the first time and went 11-1 narrowly missing out on playing in the BCS Title game. The next 2 years, despite starting 6-0 and 4-0, they finished just 7-5 and 8-4. In 2004 the first game set the tone for the season as UO outgained Indiana 495-198 but due to 7 turnovers came up short 30-24, their first non-conf home loss in 21 games. The Ducks bottomed out when they needed a win in the season finale to become bowl eligible, and were waxed by Oregon St, 50-21. It broke a streak of 10 straight winning years for the Ducks. Last year I had UO as the #4 most improved team in the country and also listed them as one of my 2005 surprise teams. The Ducks nearly made it to a BCS bowl despite losing their starting QB. In fact, with a healthy Clemens starting, they avg'd 487.3 ypg but without him, just 371. This was a senior-laden team, the most experienced since their 2001 Fiesta Bowl berth. They led USC at the half in the battle of unbeatens but came up short. They rebounded by blasting Arizona St on the road, 31-17, getting past CalinOT and then paying backOregon St by knocking them out of a bowl with a 56-14 thrashing in the season finale. The Ducks benefitted from +13 in turnovers and had 4 close wins. They lobbied hard for the open BCS spot but were relegated to the Holiday Bowl. Their 10-1 team, which was ranked #6, lost to Oklahoma in a thrilling Holiday Bowl with a leaping int with :33 left sealing the Sopners' win. Despite losing their top two rushers, their top receiver and starting QB, the Ducks' offense should be potent once again with VHT replacements at the skill positions and their best 0-line in at least 4 years. The Ducks lose some outstanding players on defense including their top DL and both starting CB's. Last year they allowed just 23.2 ppg, their lowest total in 5 years, but should have one of the Pac 10's better D's once again this season. |
