The talent on Oregon’s offense is deep enough for anyone to dive in. For starters, the Ducks will enjoy another season with Royce Freeman in the backfield. Freeman was fourth in the nation last season in rushing yards per game (141.23) to go with 17 touchdowns. He could’ve easily racked up more rushing scores but he had to share the ball with other dangerous options like Bralon Addison. Addison is in the NFL now, but the Ducks’ downfield remains stacked. Junior Charles Nelson is primed for a big season, while sophomore Darren Carrington is expected to carry a heavier load following a 609 receiving yards and six touchdowns year. Oregon is priced +4,000 to win the national title.
Team Weaknesses:
While we waxed hot earlier discussing the scary offensive weapons of Oregon, let’s not forget that the Ducks are staring at another FCS graduate transfer to play quarterback. The Ducks are hoping that they’d do well again on offense this year with Dakota Prukop under center. They averaged 43.0 points per game last season with Vernon Adams under center. Prukop was an All-American at Montana State but whether he could play just as well in the FBS is something that remains to be seen.
2015 Team Stats:
Category
Stat (Rank)
Points per game
37.5 (#16)
Passing yards per game
281.7 (#27)
Rushing yards per game
228.7 (#16)
Scoring defense
20.8 (#19)
Writer’s Prediction:
Oregon finishes third in Big 12 with a 6-3 conference record.
